Bicycle, walking and golf cart paths are specifically intended for bicycles, golf
carts, pedestrians and other non-vehicular traffic. They are generally
thinner than vehicular pavement and usually have a very smooth surface.
Figure 1: Burke Gillman Trail in Seattle
Figure 2: Myrtle Edwards Park in Seattle
Assumed Traffic
Bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, rollerbladers, skateboarders, etc. The
pavement is not intended to withstand repeated vehicle loading but the
occasional maintenance light truck can be accommodated without undue damage.
Path
widths less than 8 ft. require smaller equipment and more labor to pave. The narrowest commonly
available paver uses an 8 ft. wide screed. Paving widths less than 8 ft.
require screed and auger adjustments and significantly more labor, resulting
in a higher cost per ton of HMA placed. If there is room, an 8 ft. wide
path can be constructed at a lower cost per square yard than a 5 ft. wide path
in the same location.
Design paths with a minimum slope of 2 percent (0.25 inches per foot).
Slopes less than this are difficult to construct and may not prevent pooling
of water during wet weather.
Construction Considerations
Because a smooth pavement is essential for user satisfaction and safety,
special care should be taken to ensure roots from nearby trees are not growing
directly below the intended path location. If left in place, these roots
may cause local pavement upheavals, which can be a safety hazard.
Areas that show a pronounced deflection under heavy construction traffic
indicate instability in the subgrade. Such areas probably require
removal of the material and replacement with suitable subgrade soil material
such as crushed stone or gravel borrow.
Where there is the possibility of recurrent vegetation growth, a quality
commercial grade herbicide should be used.
Recommended References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO).(1999).Guideline for the Development of Bicycle
Facilities, 3rd edition. AASHTO.Washington, D.C.
(www.aashto.org)
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Web Page. Provides a detailed list of available
bicycle and pedestrian publications and design guidance. (www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/index.htm)
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. A clearinghouse for
information about health and safety, engineering, advocacy, education,
enforcement and access and mobility. (www.bicyclinginfo.org)
