Hill Climb Assists

How are hill-climb assists age-friendly?

Public hill climb assists are important to get older adults and children up a hill. Escalators and elevators as well as additions of railings along sloped paths and stairs can help people of different ages and abilities to traverse the steep grades.

Where should hill-climb assists be prioritized?

Hill climb assists should be prioritized along steep slopes in denser urban areas.  Where possible, they are a good opportunity for private development to help contribute to an age-friendly city.

These should be well marked in the public realm, along with hours of operation, information about the type of facility.

Primary departments invested in hill-climb assists

• Seattle Department of Transportation
• Office of Planning and Community Development
• Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection

Estimated cost

Current hillcimb assists are located and implemented as part of private development or as a part of major projects (e.g. the Waterfront Overlook Walk).

Resources

SDCI Privately Owned Public Spaces
SDCI Elevator and Escalator Permit
King County Metro downtown hill climb map