A selection of moments showing how even in Cambridge, there are no truly car-free spaces. If it fits on it, they will drive on it.
By the way, there's certainly real reasons that access by full-sized motor vehicles may be needed. And as in all things, a precise definition of "need" is perhaps badly needed.
@bikepedantic This triggers me as it is a common occurrence when I am on my completely road separated bike path.
@bikepedantic
Emergency services responding to an emergency. Construction vehicles for major construction with no other access.
Those make sense to me.
Otherwise: you're using the wrong vehicles for the job.
@Gurre i think you've captured like 98% of a complete policy right there.
@bikepedantic We really, really need to stock smaller service and emergency vehicles. We don't need full-sized fire trucks or sanitation vehicles going down these places. (Ambulances, OK, fine, those have minimum internal space requirements but not the rest)
Seeing the service vehicles in France was eye-opening. You really can do an awful lot without being stupidly huge.
@wordshaper and with so much cash out there to electrify fleets, now now now is the time to redefine the fleet mix
@bikepedantic Yes! Tiny trucks for so many things. Fix the fleet, and do it now. (Little electric delivery vehicles are awesome too, but that's a different conversation)
@bikepedantic One of the major north-south bike trails in Columbus was recently shut down for months so they could rebuild a bridge to allow ambulances to drive on it. There's no good access for emergency services on that trail, so it makes sense, but there was also no safe detour for riders.
Trash collections drive on the walking path in my local park; they're slowly damaging the pavement.
@benlk Definitely a few good lessons in there: Plan and design trails for EMS vehicle access, because there's almost always a need. Accomodate trail traffic during major work because you would for drivers. And if you're designing a trail that allows for even one driver to drive on it ("no entrance barriers, because cop cars need access in an emergency"), you have to design it to be as resilient as a road, because that's what it is now.
@bikepedantic What would really help is more retractable steel bollards. Give the remotes to lower them to authorized vehicles. No remote? Your giant vehicle will not enter. Everything else is just a suggestion.
@afternoont I think there's a ton of logistic hurdles and hazards with that as a default approach, but it's definitely something to work toward. The lack of them is a symptom of policy that assumes that only intended motor vehicles will access trails. At some point, there needs to be a consensus among trail owners that minimizing motor vehicles on their assets is a goal they all need to work with partners to pursue.
Just put up bollards at the width of an ambulance plus a few CM. Emergency drivers will slow down and get through, everyone else will be uncomfortable and avoid going through. (Get a narrow ambulance if needed). there are bollard protected trails near me that my bike trailer cannot get around. I see a lot of people on 3 wheel bikes (mostly recumbent) that also will have troubles.
@bikepedantic One of my biggest pet peeves. And if I say anything, they say they HAVE to do it for work.
@bikepedantic yep, here’s Worcester, UK’s “pedestrianised” high street. Ride a bike on it and you are liable to be fined.
Alt text for above:
Pic 1, A full sized garbage truck seen from rear occupies entire width of a trail. People stand on the grass verge looking on.
Pic 2, Seen from rear, a van stops alongside a dropoff box of some sort. Someone walking two dogs approaches on the trail the van is stopped on.
Pic 3, Seen from side from within a park, a Cambridge Animal Control and Rescue van drives on a shared-use path.