[OSM-talk] Map Feature default |was: Re: Annotation presets]

[matthew-osm at newtoncomputing.co.uk]

On Wed, Sep 13, 2006 at 01:11:13AM +0100, Tom Chance wrote:
> On Wednesday 13 September 2006 00:58, matthew-osm at newtoncomputing.co.uk wrote:
> > *  I am assuming footpath = same as pavement. Possibly not, should be
> > checked.
> 
> Surely not? Aren't all roads assumed to have pavements except motorways, and 
> those explicitly marked foot=no?

Really? There are many roads that do not have pavements (think countryside for a
start).

> I've always treated highway=footway as meaning footpaths, i.e. ways that don't 
> allow any kind of motor vehicle down them, and that aren't pedestrianised 

Yes, ditto.

> of rivers in towns. These, by default, allow bicycles and usually have signs 
> asking you to dismount if they don't.

Only sort of... I've just found lots more documents, especially:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_localtrans/documents/page/dft_localtrans_028709.hcsp

"Footpath means a highway over which the public have a right of way on foot
only, not being a footway [Section 329(1) Highways Act 1980]."

"Footway means a way comprised in a highway, which also comprises a carriageway,
being a way over which the public has a right of way on foot only [Section
329(1) Highways Act 1980]. Footways are the pedestrian paths alongside a
carriageway, and are often referred to as a pavement."

So pedestrians *only* have a _right of way_ on a countryside footpath. However,
(as another document pointed out) if cycling isn't banned by traffic order or by
the landowner then there is nothing that says you can't... until you are told
not to.

I searched Google for "foot path UK bicycle law"... there's lots of interesting
stuff out there.

> Reading town centre is too crazy for words. I never realised it on bike, 
> because I can go just about anywhere. But trying to map well enough for route 
> planners it is requiring a lot of photos for reference, and messy roads that 
> produce terrible Osmarenders :/

Yes, town centres are not the easiest!

-- 
Matthew