According to the United States Access Board’s Accessible Rights-of-Way, “Metal gratings are of a particular concern to pedestrians who use walking aids.  When wet, the grids can be extremely slippery, and the elongated openings can become a sliding track for the tip of a crutch or cane.  Slip resistant finishes or nonmetallic materials are available at additional cost for installations where the location or extent of exposed gratings may post a problem for pedestrians.”  Slip resistant sidewalk grating is recommended not only to provide a safe walking surface for pedestrians, but also to provide drainage when the surface comes in contact with slippery elements such as ice, rain and snow.

(more…)