Concrete and asphalt are generally considered the most appropriate footpath surfaces, although unglazed stone pavers and unglazed bricks can also be used.[1] Material combinations are possible, such as a concrete footpath through zone edged with unglazed brick to provide visual contrast for vision impaired pedestrians.
The table below gives examples of different materials used for footpaths and their advantages and disadvantages. The materials include:
Table: Footpath surfaces [PDF, 858 KB]
RCAs are increasingly promoting high quality and distinctive environments by installing different footpath surfaces, particularly in town and city centres and at tourist attractions.
A wide range of material can be used as long as it is firm, stable, even, slip resistant when wet, and does not give misleading signals to the vision impaired. As well as the initial costs, the costs and ease of maintenance, repair, reinstatement and replacement should be considered, along with the drainage properties of different footpath materials.
Vision impaired pedestrians often use differences in texture, contrast and colour as a way-finding cues. At all times there should be a clear visual and textural contrast between the footpath and the roadway to ensure the vision impaired can define the boundary between the two.[2]
RTS 14 – Guidelines for facilities for blind and vision impaired pedestrians [PDF, 1.6 MB]
To avoid excessive changes within an area and promote consistency, RCAs should develop guidelines on when particular surface types should be used.
[1] Austroads. (2017). Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling, Appendix C
[2] Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. (2015). RTS14: Guidelines for facilities for blind and vision-impaired pedestrians(external link)
