What is the primary purpose of bumped tiles and ridged tiles in curb cuts?

The primary purpose of bumped tiles and ridged tiles in curb cuts is to warn pedestrians who are blind of intersections. These tactile ground surface indicators create a change in texture that alert individuals with visual impairments to the presence of a crosswalk or intersection. By using these textures, they can detect when they are approaching a potentially hazardous area where they need to be more vigilant, promoting safety and awareness.

This tactile guidance system is an important accessibility feature, as it enhances mobility for people with disabilities and contributes to navigational orientation in public spaces. It plays a crucial role in inclusive design, ensuring that urban environments cater to the needs of all users, particularly those with vision impairments.