# Curb cut effect The curb cut effect is an example of both [[Design as a political act]] and that [[designing for inclusion improves the experience for everyone]]. It references a [[built environment]] feature that was originally conceived by and for wheelchair users, but also benefits a broader group of people in society. For example, an individual pushing a stroller or a cart can more easily gain access to the sidewalk. Rollerblades, scooters, skateboards and bikes also have an easier time to go from street level to sidewalk level, or vice versa. It reduces barriers to get to and from the sidewalk. ## Why do we have curbs? Curbs provide both a health and safety separation between sidewalk and street level. A curb is an infrastructure element that allows for flow of rainwater to be channeled, and separate from pedestrian grade. It provides at least a minimal barrier between vehicular and pedestrian. ## History in Berkeley - #followup In the early 1970s, disability advocates installed Berkeley's first curb cut in the dead of night, despite the risk of arrest.[^1] - Berkeley's first *official* curb cut was installed in 1972 along Telegraph Avenue. [^2] - #followup The curb cut in Berkeley was not the first curb cut in America. A curb cut was installed in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1945.[^3] - #seed [[Being first doesn't mean being influential]]. - However, the curb cut in Berkeley garnered more public attention and served as a catalyst for change. ## LYT exercise This form of [[Barrier-free design]] reminds me of the concept of making things [[effortless]] and [[flow]]. It's an aspect of [[Universal design]], where [[designing for inclusion improves the experience for everyone]]. This is similar to [[ramps]] in the [[built environment]], and efforts to continuously improve intersections to make non-vehicular traffic safer. In this regard, it also reminds me a little bit about [[street art at intersections]] used to reduce the speed of traffic at intersections. It's also [[Design as a political act]], [[Designer as activist]] and [[Designer as advocate]]. It's different from the barriers the curb creates (separation of street and pedestrian), and from safety elements in the environment like bollards. Sometimes friction and blockers are required in the environment. I have experienced this… every time I've walked on a sidewalk and towards an intersection… and not tripped! [^1]: [Stanford Social Innovation Review](https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_curb_cut_effect) [^2]: “[Builders and Sustainers of the Independent Living Movement in Berkeley: Volume IV](http://content.cdlib.org/view?docId=kt2779n58v&&doc.view=entire_text),” Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement Oral History Series, University of California. [^3]: [Stanford Social Innovation Review](https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_curb_cut_effect)