askMO: Can wheelchair users travel in the street?

hey MO: my aunt has been using a wheelchair for most of her life. Lately, I noticed her struggling to maneuver on sidewalks, especially on the avenue she goes to buy her meat and groceries. I often wonder if operating the wheelchair in the street would be easier for her to get around than riding on the sidewalk, but I am not sure if it is legal or safe. Is it?

hey you: crowded and uneven sidewalks can pose significant challenges for many New Yorkers, particularly those with limited mobility. Our review found no regulations that prohibit wheelchairs from being used in the street when a sidewalk is inaccessible or unsafe to navigate. However, whether street travel is a safe option depends largely on the surrounding environment. Studies tracking vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, seniors, and mobility-device users—confirm that micromobility infrastructure, such as bike lanes, greenways, and vehicle-restricted Open Streets, provides a safer travel environment by drastically reducing vehicle volumes and slowing overall traffic speeds.

If your aunt decides to travel in the street because the sidewalk is unsafe or unavailable, here are some general recommendations: If this is the first time operating a wheelchair in the street, plan an easy, familiar route to test at an hour when traffic is light. Ask a family member or friend to join if they are able to keep up with the speed of the wheelchair. Look for routes with traffic-calming features that help reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users. Do not assume other vehicle operators will see you; make eye contact with other street users as much as is safely possible. Communicate with other vehicle operators when possible to let them know when you are turning or stopping. Be predictable and use manual hand signals, if you can do so safely. Be mindful of street inclines, declines, and drainage slopes. Avoid potholes and uneven surfaces. Adhere to all traffic signals; follow the traffic light for pedestrians when they are present. Place an adjustable safety flag and reflective stickers, vest, or lights on your wheelchair to make yourself more visible to other vehicle operators. If possible, consider attaching a side mirror to your wheelchair to see the vehicles behind you.

Lastly, below are some additional resources to explore: Navigating NYC with Confidence: A Guide to Accessible Transportation Accessible Streets: NYCDOT 5-Year Accessibility Plan (2024-2028)

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