Choosing appropriate surface materials
The surfacing of walking, wheeling and cycling routes is key to ensuring that routes are attractive and well-used.
Active places will successfully integrate footpaths, footways and cycle routes into the public realm.
Improvements to active travel infrastructure should reinforce the character of a neighbourhood and improve the quality of the public realm by reducing motor traffic and traffic-related street furniture.
Choosing appropriate materials will ensure that a development will be functionable, attractive and will last over time. Materials used for surfacing should be considered at the outset of a development proposal and ensure that the needs of all users are met.
Surface materials for cycling
High quality riding surfaces are essential for cyclist safety and comfort, whether this is on or off the carriageway. Cycle routes should be surfaced in smooth bound materials which should be level, durable, permeable and safe in all weathers.
Surface quality affects the comfort and effort required when cycling. Loose surfaces such as gravel or mud present a skidding hazard, increase the risk of punctures and make cycles and clothing dirty in bad weather. Unbound surfaces that quickly deteriorate can cause problems for people using sticks and crutches, people who are vision impaired and wheelchair users because they become uneven. Paving slabs and flags, cobbles and ungraded aggregate should generally be avoided.
In historic settings, shaved cobbles have been used to enable better access for cycles, wheelchairs and other mobility aids by providing a path for the street width.
Cycling routes should avoid non-cycle-friendly ironworks like drainage covers and manholes. This is because they:
- can be slippery
- can cause potholes, loose, or cracked surfaces
- can have poor drainage, sharp gradients and overgrown vegetation
Surface treatments such as block paving can reduce speeds but may cause levels of discomfort, especially for disabled cyclists, older and younger cyclists. They should therefore be used sparingly.
The maintenance of surfaces needs to be considered so that they remain attractive to users. This includes consideration of access to utilities.
Surface materials for horse riders
Where paths are designated for equestrian use, surface materials should account for the requirements of horses, ideally along a separate trotting strip.
