Ribbon sidewalk A narrower paved walking surface set back from the curb, separated by a planting strip rather than running directly along the roadway edge.
This layout is common on older residential blocks in parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, where the planting strip between the ribbon and the curb often holds street trees and can complicate repair scoping, since root damage from that buffer strip frequently affects the ribbon itself. Repair specifications still apply to the ribbon the same way they would to a standard curb-adjacent sidewalk, but contractors need to account for the intervening planted area when assessing drainage and root exposure. Owners on these blocks should expect tree-root considerations to come up more often than on a standard curb-to-building sidewalk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ribbon sidewalk
What is a ribbon sidewalk?
A narrower paved walking surface set back from the curb, separated from the roadway by a planting strip rather than running along the curb edge.
Where are ribbon sidewalks common?
On older residential blocks in parts of Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Do the same repair standards apply?
Yes. DOT specifications apply to the ribbon the same way they apply to a standard curb-adjacent sidewalk.
What makes ribbon sidewalks harder to scope?
The planting strip often holds street trees, so root damage and drainage across the buffer area frequently affect the ribbon and complicate the repair plan.