Tactile Paving

Simon Redding

Unlike roads where cyclists know to ride on the left to avoid head on collisions, many shared use paths are arranged so that cyclists heading in both directions ride on the same side. This can lead to confusion when cyclists joining a path from the road have to switch from left to right. Cyclists may not see sign, but tactile paving is sure to be noticed. A juddering undulation informs you that you are on the wrong side, while if you find your wheel stuck in a longitudinal rut, forcing you to fight to stay upright, this is a sure sign that you are in the right place.

In this example on National Cycle Network Route 67 in Chesterfield there was a persistent problem of cyclists riding illegally on the pedestrian side of the path. Now that the council have installed tactile paving, all cyclists are aware which side of the path they should use.

• Sustrans is the charity behind practical and innovative solutions to some of the UK's biggest transport challenges, including the award-winning National Cycle Network
• Derbyshire County Council
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• Cycle Streets