curb cut

plural curb cuts

1. USA small ramp cut into a curb to allow wheelchairs, baby carriages, bicycles, etc. to more easily enter or leave a sidewalk.

   Although currently mandated by accessibility related laws, curb cuts benefit not only wheelchair users, but also mothers with baby carriages, older adults with canes, and small children who have not learned to climb steps yet.

   2004, Rosangela K. Boyd, Bonnie Moulton, “Universal design for online education: Access for all”, in Dominique Monolescu, Catherine Schifter, Linda Greenwood, editors, The Distance Education Evolution, page 69

   Synonyms: curb ramp, dropped kerb, kerb ramp, pram ramp

2. A lowered area of curb to allow vehicles to access driveways or approaches, a drop kerb.

   Curb cuts or beginning of approaches shall not be nearer the intersection than the extension of the property line between 20 ft and 12 ft controls.

   1959, American Petroleum Institute, Model Ordinance Regulating Curb Cuts and Approaches to Service Stations