Hi All,
I heard KPKT is insisting about the 1:8 gradient ramp for kerbs.
Please note my explanation below. We must counter this in a big picture / holistic way because the problem is in the standards the way this is illustrated and inform is confusing.
The problem is MS 1331 needs a massive review. Some times it contradicts with MS 1184 and should illustrate best bus stop design. It also needs to be gazetted by the various states under UBBL and Streets, Drainage & Building Act.
If Penang can do a prototype that we can document in MS 1331 in terms of best practice then that would be ideal. We have an example and then we have proper measurements in the standards. We can tell people to refer to best practice and the standards amended accordingly. We have to create good examples now, in Penang and every where in Malaysia.
Its a catch 22 situation now. We have to get it right for real so that the standards can flow rather than the other way round.
The issue of the kerb ramp is like this.
LOGICAL INTERPRETATION
First, if we have a 10 mm (3/4 inch) drop wchair user can negotiate.
Secondly, if we have a 25 mm drop (1 inch) wchair user mostly cannot so you put a wedge like 45% and many wheelchair users can access. With a bit of strength say many can push.
Thirdly, if we have a 75 mm drop ( 3 inches) its dangerous, almost no one in wchair can use, so you create the 1:8 and its possible to push as its not far to push. (That’s where the 1:8 comes from)
BUT if your drop (kerb height) is 150mm (6 inches) or higher say 200 (8 inches) like what DBKL told us, no way will a 1:8 work! It has to be 1:12 or greater for a straight up ramp.
So there are problems in getting the space to accomodate the ramp.
So KPKT needs to redraw proper guidelines and shows the variety of ways how to solve the problem, and not just standardise one size fits all!
It’s the problem with the guidelines and that MS 1331 is really in dire need to being gazetted ! DBKL Planners are telling me you cannot enforce MS1331 which means street environment is left to whatever the developer wants to do. That’s why the housing estates pavements etc are not accessible.
We must strategise and push properly at all fronts.
Regards
Naziaty
