Which location is the best crossing point when crossing fence?

Selecting and installing a safe fence for shared pedestrian walkway’s and Cycle paths is essential to divert people from potential risks and danger.

Human instinct proves that most people will attempt to use the shortest route possible when crossing (called a desire line) which can lead to the possible use of unsafe crossing locations.

PATHWAY fencing facilitates the safe direction of people, to cross at safe predetermined points, reducing the “desire line” by adding a physical barrier that increases the use of designated crossing points.

Where to Specify Pathway Fencing

Pedestrian fencing is most beneficial in locations where crowds are high, such as school zones, public transport hubs and high-speed arterial roads with heightened pedestrian presence.

There are three main forms of pedestrian pathways:

• Shared Pedestrian Path – A combination of pedestrian and Bicycle path pedestrians and cyclists share the same path space
• Bicycle pathway – For the use of cyclists and is most appropriate where cycling volume/ demand is there allows cyclists uninterrupted and safe travel at a relatively consistent speed and most commonly where pedestrians are provided with a separate path
• Pedestrian path – For the use of pedestrians, wheelchairs and personal mobility devices.

Fence Design Characteristics of a Safe Pedestrian Walkway and Cycle Path

When selecting the right Pedestrian fence there are many considerations such as the overall design layout, environment, and the overall fence characteristics. Australian states all have varying standards and requirements.

Designs and installation of barrier fences on cycleways should adhere to Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling

Fence design considerations:

• Reduce adverse pedestrian desire lines.
• Maintain driver sight distances.
• Maintain pedestrian and cyclist sight distances.
• Adequate clearance between bicycles/ cyclists travelling in opposite directions.
• Reduce potential hazards beside paths
• Resistance to cyclist fatigue failure (cyclic wind loading including buffeting from trucks)

Fence Characteristics:

• Reduce horizontal members to discourage pedestrians from crossing or climbing
• Terminate without sharp, protruding or spearing elements
• Consider spacing of horizontal and vertical members to reduce the risk of protrusions (Eg Bike handlebars or pedals)
• Enhance the local urban design
• Accommodate all environmental loads (e.g. wind) imposed during normal operating conditions
• Visibility, see-through without interference preferable
• Durable materials that do not create a hazard
• Distance of fence to the path width (minimum 0.5m)
• The design life of the fence

Full Barrier Fence – Recommendations

Aust roads compliant walkways and cycleways “Full Barrier Fence”. Designed and engineered for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

• Pathway fence – Steelmesh – from Protective Fencing
• Close space 25mm Chainwire

Pathway Fence – by Protective Fencing

Protective Fencing’s close space roll-top steelmesh (weldmesh, welded mesh) panels are custom designed for cycle paths and walkways. Tightly spaced horizontal wires in the direction of travel, and posts on the outside create a smooth surface that has low snag risk.

Cyclist rail (or top bend) is not required because the surface is smooth. No horizontal rails. Suitable for road environments, as it does not pose a spearing hazard.

Mesh is 100 x 25mm cross wire, manufactured from 5mm LifeMax wire.

• Visibility – Optimal sight lines for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
• Safety – The close space mesh design, optimal protection for cyclists, non-snag wheels, pedals and handlebars, no protrusions.
• Anti Climb – Designed to discourage pedestrians from climbing
• Durable long-lasting fence.
• Australian Made and manufactured.
• Quick and simple installation.

APPLICATIONS

• Shared pedestrian paths
• Over and around culverts
• Footbridges

Close Space 25 mm Chainwire

Protective Fencing’s 25mm Chainwire fence is used as a full barrier walkway and cycleway fencing treatment. Recommend 25 mm pitch maximum where there is a chance of cyclists colliding at angles up to 25°.

Posts located on outside of chainmesh to maintain smooth surface being thrown over.

Tightly spaced horizontal wires in the direction of travel, and posts on the outside create a smooth surface that has low snag risk No horizontal rails. Suitable for road environments, as it does not pose a spearing hazard.

• Visibility – Optimal sight lines for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
• Safety – The close space mesh design, optimal protection for cyclists, non-snag wheels, pedals and handlebars.
• Quick and simple installation.
• Australian Made and manufactured.

Chainwire on top of concrete barriers where there is a steep decline/ drop off, Weldmesh panels (on the right) where the road surface follows the road gradient.

GET IN CONTACT

Please call our team to learn more 1300 436 200, or email our Sales Team

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