Iceland Leads the Way in Accessibility with 1,756 Wheelchair Ramps

Reykjavík, Iceland – Over the past four years, Iceland has made significant strides in accessibility by constructing 1,756 wheelchair ramps across the country. This initiative, spearheaded by Icelandic designer and tech entrepreneur Haraldur “Halli” Thorleifsson, aims to reduce barriers faced by individuals with mobility challenges.

A Personal Journey Sparking Change

Thorleifsson, a wheelchair user himself, understands the difficulties posed by physical barriers in urban environments. His pivotal moment occurred during a family outing in downtown Reykjavík when he was unable to enter a corner store due to a single step at the entrance. Reflecting on this experience, he noted, “That one step was the main obstacle between me and fully participating in society.”

Determined to address these access issues, Thorleifsson launched the “Ramp Up Reykjavík” project in 2021. The initial goal was to install 100 ramps in high-traffic areas within the city. However, the project exceeded expectations, completing its objectives ahead of schedule and under budget while expanding its reach beyond Reykjavík to other cities in Iceland.

Ramp Up Iceland Celebrated

On March 14, 2025, Thorleifsson marked the success of the “Ramp Up Iceland” initiative with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by notable figures including the mayor and prime minister, highlighting the project’s impact on public policy and community engagement. The initiative not only focused on ramp installation but also served as a model for other cities. Plans are now in place to take this project to international locations, including Paris and Lviv, Ukraine.

Accessibility Challenges Persist Globally

Creating accessibility in urban areas often presents logistical and bureaucratic challenges. Many cities, including Reykjavík, contain historic buildings that can complicate infrastructure modifications. Data indicates that a significant percentage of disabled individuals encounter inaccessible buildings. A study conducted in the United States revealed that 70% of surveyed disabled people had arrived at a location only to find it was not accessible, leading to frustration and potential exclusion from public life.

While laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) exist to support accessibility, many environments still lack adequate compliance. Obstacles include inconsistent standards for older cities and the prioritization of architectural preservation over modern accessibility needs.

Thorleifsson’s efforts through Ramp Up Iceland demonstrate that accessibility improvements are feasible and impactful. In fact, the initiative not only exceeded its initial goals but also did so while keeping costs lower than anticipated.

Effective Solutions for Accessibility

Each ramp constructed is tailored to its specific location. Collaborations with city officials and designers ensure that ramps blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Thorleifsson emphasizes, “The role of a designer is to make something simple and beautiful to use, for as many people as possible.”

His approach to overcoming doubts about the project involved demonstrating its feasibility and success. Funded initially through his business ventures and bolstered by community involvement, Thorleifsson notes the ease of making such improvements: “It’s easy. It’s cheap. There’s no excuse. Just do it. We can help. Call me.”

The Path Forward

Thorleifsson is set on continuing this mission internationally, particularly in areas where rapid change is urgently needed. With an increasing number of citizens requiring accessible environments, especially in war-torn regions like Ukraine, he considers this work a vital human rights issue.

As communities around the world face similar challenges, Thorleifsson’s message serves as a rallying cry for action. The momentum generated by Ramp Up Iceland may inspire other cities to prioritize accessibility, turning what has historically been a slow and complicated process into a swift and collaborative effort.

The success of Iceland's initiative proves that when communities unite for a common cause, significant progress is not only possible—it can be achieved quickly and effectively.