Honestly, the answer is: some are, but many still miss the mark. When a wheelchair user approaches a bench from the side, the design has to do more than just leave an open gap at one end. A truly side-approach friendly bench needs the right height, clearance, and support in the right places.
For a bench to work well with a side approach, the seat height should usually be around 17 to 19 inches. That makes transferring from a wheelchair feel more stable and less like dropping down or pushing up too far. There should also be clear, flat space at one or both ends of the bench. Ideally, you want at least a 30 by 48 inch space so a wheelchair can pull alongside without the footrest hitting the frame or the wheels tilting on uneven ground. If the armrest wraps all the way across the bench or blocks the open end, it can seriously get in the way.
The armrest itself matters more than people realize. A sturdy armrest near the open end can actually help someone brace and push themselves during a transfer. But if it is positioned too low, too high, or right where a wheelchair needs to be, it creates a barrier. A backrest also helps because it gives people something to lean against once they are seated.
The surface around the bench is just as important as the bench itself. Loose gravel, mulch, grass, or a steep slope can make a side approach difficult or unsafe even if the bench looks accessible. Smooth, firm paving next to the bench is key. Some cities now install benches with open ends, center armrests that do not block the side, and slightly higher seats. But you cannot assume a bench is wheelchair-user friendly just because it looks modern or has a nearby paved path.
If you are checking a specific bench, try looking at it from wheelchair height. Is there enough flat space beside it? Can you pull close without the footrest hitting the bench frame? Are the armrests placed so you can grip them during a transfer? If yes, it is probably side-approach friendly. If not, it may only be wheelchair “nearby” seating, not truly accessible seating.