Keeping Bend accessible with curb ramps
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is undertaking an ongoing project to improve sidewalk accessibility across the community. One of the ways they’re doing this is the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps at cross walks.
Every time the city constructs or updates a street crossing, the work must comply with Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.
Curb ramp installations vary depending on the specific slope and size of the sidewalk. On average, installing a single curb ramp costs the city approximately $4,000.
Kassandra Kehoe serves as the equity and inclusion manager for the City of Bend. Kehoe is passionate about make sure everyone has the access they need. “Interacting in any capacity with our accessibility programs is fantastic. And by simply using a curb walk, you’re accessing things that weren’t accessible 20-plus years ago, right? I think about my own grandmother, who had polio and a curb ramp meant the difference between us being able to enjoy civic life and not right and that’s really what they represent,” Kehoe said.
Local residents can report accessibility barriers or issues preventing sidewalk access through a dedicated forum on the city’s Bend Works app and website. City staff are currently addressing about 35 outstanding accessibility reports, prioritizing work based on severity and community impact.
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