Roy Wallace wrote: >I have no idea what you would consider "suitable for the common >cyclist". Please, at least write the criteria down.
Since it's the not signposted ways that are not evident and a common cyclist is not looking for mountain bike trails, I'll try: shout if you disagree. Absolute requirements: * cycling is legal (e.g. some parts of Germany require a width of over 2 meters, or so I've read) * way is not infested with roots or other sharp objects - things you could cross at walking pace only * surface is not mud, loose/fine sand or other where the tires sink enough to slow down the cyclist. * way is wide enough for two cyclists to pass - generally at least about 1.5 meters wide, but 1.2 might just suffice * a cyclist can use it to get ''somewhere'' - at least one of the ways connected to it must be something else than steps or footway, but dead ends may exists if it's the way to a house or an amenity or attraction And fullfills most or all of the following: * way has at some point been built for traffic * way is wide enough for three cyclists to pass (one in each direction and one overtaking) - over two meters * visibility obstructions don't limit the safe speed below 20 km/h in corners (the max most cyclist can keep going for longer times) Additionally: we've instructed the Finnish mappers to consider the other ways suitable for cycling nearby - if there's a better/faster/wider/ flatter way in the same direction nearby, the smaller is better of as a footway + bicycle=yes _when there's doubt_ and no signs. This has lead to consistent results. As to the example of "your mother", I fully acknowledge that not all mothers are alike but stereotypes are usable if they're consistent, I should have it made more clear that I was referring to a person not driving a mountain or trekking bike and with no intention of physical exercise; let's make that "your grandmother" on a gearless city bike hauling the groceries; she might have just bought a basket of eggs. -- Alv _______________________________________________ talk mailing list [email protected] http://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk
