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Redesign of Hosur Road as model road : Footpath and cycle tracks
Written By srkulhalli - 5 August, 2009
Bangalore Hosur Road cycling lanes Need Help Road design Transportation Infrastructure Pedestrian Infrastructure Mobilicity footpaths
Background: Had an unplanned meeting with BBMP, thanks to Ashiwn/SB. Part of our initiative for better road design. This was at an hours notice on a weekday and was pretty much took half the day, so was not a good candidate for an event. Anyways, we discussed the pedestrian infrastructure, footpaths etc. We know that the quality needs improvement, and I have already documented what goes into footpath design, which I shared with BBMP folks. In general they seem appreciative and want to improve. It helps if we give specific inputs in a structured manner, rather than just rant and crib.
Footpath material: So here's where we can help. They want to do Hosur road, from Silk Board junction to Vellara as a model. This will have pedestrian and cycle tracks !. The total width of the footpath plus cycle track on either side is currently planned around 3.5m. Of this there is cobbled stone (interlocking pavers type) on the first 1.5m, There is a drainaige of 1.4m plus an additional overhang of 0.6m totally 2m which will be joined slabs. These do not give good finish and they are planning to put a paving over this. One specific suggestion asked - any suggestion on paving material/colour which will be suitable and look good ?
Cycle track: Am not sure we can change the course on this, but let us discuss and if there is something that makes strong sense, we can atleast try to influence. Its not as easy as lets put a cycle track ). At this point plan is 3 lane carriageway each side, we are left with exactly 3.5m on either side.
First is its location : Should it be road - footpath - cycle track : boundary or road - cycle track - footpath : boundary. Advantage of former is cycle track is better isolated, disadvantage if shops exist on the road then there will be too much pedestrian interference. This is the current plan. Disadvantage of the latter is if the cycle track and footpath are at same level (slightly elevated by the kerb height from the road level) then the cyclist can fall off on the road. This neccistates the use of verges in between, and if we go by IRC, we need 1m on each side, a precious waste of space. Dont have that kind of space
Second is the space required: A cycle width is upto ~ 60cm. You cannot drive a cycle on a straight line, with a 20cm margin it is 1m, you need to allow at least two cycles side by side which makes it 2m. This is the minimum IRC standard for dedicated cycle track, danish standard for eg: is 2.2m. Right now we have exactly 2m, and footpath of 1.5m which is again minimum prescribed. This is not going to make cycle driving very pleasant however.
One thought: Combine cycle tracks to a single side. This will give a lot of space for cycling, part of it can be a verge barrier etc, make it pretty and nice. Does this result in too much of cross movement ? I think we can give longitudnal parking for cycles along the track, people can walk across to shops on the other side. If they want to take cycles, they will have to walk with the cycle on the footpath on the other side. for the length from the crossing.
Alternate thought: Dont combine cycle track along with footpath. Instead put it at road level and put kerb stones as seperators from the road. Much safer for cyclists (dont fall of the kerb), plus get better seggregation. Doesnt look as good aesthically and may not be implementable in the current scheme of things - need to check
There is always the 'we can get more space from somewhere', or remove a lane etc, but what is the best that can be done in the given situation ?
I will continue to post on this blog for further thoughs/updates etc. Please feel free to give whatever thoughts you have.
COMMENTS
RKCHARI - 6 August, 2009 - 04:07
Dear suhas,
Dr. Mahesh had in fact taken a sample Flo-grid from me which he said he would show to CE (Major Roads). I was wondering whether it was shown at the meeting at all and what CE's response to the same was.?
As you are aware Atlantis has the best solution for suggesting ecologically sustainable pavers / pavement material and cycling tracks. Since our Flo-grids are modular in nature and can be firmly clipped together, desiging anysize of cycle track would be easy. It can all be done in one day (3.5 metre wide X 250 metres long). We can leave it as Flo-grid surface or grow green grass through its mesh which will make the cycle patch look even better and more distinct.
Anyway, I am not using this forum to promote our technology. Just mentioning that excellent solutions are available.
Regards
RKCHARI - 6 August, 2009 - 06:58
Dear Suhas,
To try out our ecologically sustainable technology, I have found an investor who is willing to take the order from BBMP in his Company's name, invest in our design development, detailed drawings and turnkey provision of solution and products including actual installation for remodelling the Silkboard junction and after it has been done and proven beyond doubt that our technology really works, will he invoice BBMP.
That really means BBMP does not have to spend a sue upfront! What better proof of our technology can they get? Only shows how the Private Sector who have actually seen our technology in operation in foreign countries have complete faith in us and the big question of "not being tried and tested in Indian conditions" is not valid anymore!
I have already appraised CE (Major Roads), BBMP about our offer. Wonder what we can do to get them to actually issue the works contract?
Regards
idontspam - 6 August, 2009 - 07:24
They may want to consider plain old asphalt or concrete in lieu of any expensive tiles that may get dislocated or stolen and need replacement often. It is easier to pour and maintain concrete/asphalt.
Concrete sidewalk
The advantage with plain asphalt side walk is that it can double up for both bikes and walking with just a painted divider. Ped interference to be expected but is better than vehicle interference due to speed mismatch and also save sidewalk real estate as you point out. Key is to have it marked clearly with copious amount of flourescent paint and maybe cats eyes for better visibility. Since RKC has been persistant in trying his technology maybe this asphalt can harvest the water and the overflow can go to the drain.
Asphalt sidewalk with cycle track
I second your idea, Cycle tracks can be provided only on one side of the road and a ped/cycle crossing be provided every 500 meters to cross over (300 meters where there are more shops mostly in madivala, adugodi & Forum mall). These xings can be pelican lights or elevated like in other parts of Bangalore or both.
Cycle xing space on either side of the ped xing
Simple cycle stands can be provided near the ped xings where shops exist for people to park cross over and do their shopping.
Simple steel cycle stand which can be bolted to the sidewalk and replaced quickly
s_yajaman - 6 August, 2009 - 08:35
Suhas,
This is excellent to read,
On the footpath material, you might want to check out the new pavement opposite the BMLTA office building. It looks very pleasing to the eye. Not sure on durability, but that sort of footpath makes one want to walk on it! :) Don't have pictures but it is that red checked material that you also find in some parts of Basavanagudi.
One cycle path makes a lot of sense given the cycle traffic and the fact that head on collisions are rather rare in the case of cyclists. Better to have one 2.5 m track than two 1.5m tracks on either side.
Still thinking on where to place the cycle lane. With pedestrians means we need to keep the cycle lane towards the inside (not adjacent to the road) as bus stops will be placed and you don't want cyclists riding through the bus stops.
Or we put bollards instead of kerbstones as separators and keep 1.2 m of cycle lanes adjacent to the kerb.
Srivathsa
idontspam - 24 August, 2009 - 10:13
Do you know if the road will retain some kind of geometry or will it be a snaking flowing road with chicken necks, uneven lane sizes, warts, bumps and all?
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