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"Cross Slope--It's Not About Skiing"
Author: Goska, Mark A., AIA, MBA
Published In: Facilities Manager
Date: September/October 2007

Code Talkers column. Reports that it is the cross slope--the slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel--rather than the running slope--the slope that is parallel to the direction of travel--which is one of the most challenging issues in constructing pathways compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  A cross slope that is too steep changes the balance of a wheelchair and the user by moving the balance of the weight from the center to the downward side of the chair; in order to compensate for this imbalance, the wheelchair user must lean to an uphill direction. Discusses how problems with cross slope occur; ADA's Accessible Route guidelines; and how to address potential cross slope concerns when undertaking projects. Includes photos illustrating proper and improper cross slopes.

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