One small detail can have very big consequences.
Most people drive past them without a second thought, but for someone riding a bike, the wrong grate can mean an instant crash.
The biggest issue is the longitudinal grate, where the bars run in the same direction as bicycle travel. These can trap a bicycle’s front wheel, causing a sudden loss of control and often throwing the rider over the handlebars.
That is not rider error. That is a design failure.
If cyclists or wheelchair users could be present, only bicycle safe grates should be used.
Depressed grates create another problem. Sudden level differences can destabilise bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs, particularly when people are trying to maintain balance or avoid surrounding traffic. They should not be used on roadways or shared paths.
Sometimes the argument is that bicycle safe grates may reduce drainage inlet capacity. That is a drainage design problem, not a reason to accept a safety problem. Use double inlets. Adjust the drainage design. Solve the right problem.
———-
Follow Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd on LinkedIn for more updates and road safety industry news.