[OSM-talk] Proliferation of path vs. footway

[Lauri Kytömaa]

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