Shared Paths/Bikeways - Wider is not always better

I have previously posted about a shared path that does not work, the Pyrmont Bridge in Sydney. At the time I point out it failed on three points I consider important for a shared path to work.

• a daily usage somewhere below 4000 movements a day
• a path where it is not generally wider then 4 meters
• low tourist numbers
• clear understanding of keep left rule
• equal split between bicycles and pedestrians

Most of the time shared paths are rather narrow (around 3 metres) and have a lower usage. This make there purpose as shared suitable. Often after a certain amount of time usage does increase and the logical solution is to simply widen the path. I have to say this is logical and does work to some extent but the problem is human behaviour is not always to the same logic. The photos below show why making the path wider to increase capacity does not always work. The below photo was not taken at a busy time but it does show some peoples bahavour.

Both photos are of the same three women walking along the Shared Riverwalk Path in New Farm Brisbane. The first is on the new section where the clear width is around 6 meters. The second is on the older section where it is around 4 meters clear. Both photos show how the logic of widening a shared path past a certain point fails. People logically when given extra space just spread out even when there is clear signage saying not to block the path and keep left. On both the 6 meter section and the 4 meter section the three women's walking position is almost identical it is just the space between each individual that has changed. This is when segregation comes into importance, because given the space (approximately 5 meters) , no amount of widening will change the way some people act and they will just spread out. Ofcourse putting down a dividing line does help to some point but is really just band aid when segregation is the most sensible option where space permits.

Thankfully most people that use this path do not act like this but it is not uncommon. This path is heavily used and the short sighted option of making it shared and to narrow (just) to allow segregation to occur has resulted in a congested environment, mostly on the weekends.  While shared paths are always an option and a good option, there ability to be widened and upgraded to segregate needs to be considered and and considered very carefully because for some people no amount of signage will help the situation.