City of Oxnard - Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Appendices

City of Oxnard | Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
A.8.5. Sidewalk and Pathway Materials
Design Summary
See Section A.8.1-A.8.4 above for additional sidewalk design
details.
Preferred Design
Discussion
Sidewalks are generally constructed of Portland cement concrete.
Sidewalk surfaces should be firm, stable and slip-resistant when
dry. Some sidewalks are designed using decorative materials,
such as brick or cobblestone. Although these surfaces may
improve the aesthetic quality of the sidewalk, they may make
mobility difficult for wheelchair users and create vibration. Brick
and cobblestone also have a tendency to buckle, creating a
tripping hazard and requiring increased maintenance. For these
reasons, brick and cobblestone sidewalks are not recommended.
Creative alternatives to brick sidewalks include concrete
sidewalks with brick trim, which preserves the decorative quality
of brick but is an easier surface to negotiate; or colored asphalt or
concrete stamped to look like brick.
Workers installing rubber sidewalk pavers.
Newer materials, such as rubber sidewalk pavers, provide a softer
walking surface, and may prevent cracked or uplifted sidewalks
where tree roots are present. Several cities in the U.S., including
locally the city of Santa Monica, have installed segments of
rubber sidewalk and are reporting good results in terms of
reduced uplifting. Pedestrian walkways and multi-use pathways
may be constructed out of asphalt; however, asphalt is not
suitable for sidewalk construction due to its shorter lifespan (ten
years as opposed to 20 or more) and higher maintenance costs.
Alta Planning + Design | A-61