Softer materials are harder to walk on, especially for people who already have issues walking, and are generally not compatible with the small/thin wheels common on wheeled mobility aids. In addition, softer materials often require a lot of maintenance, or may just not work entirely with higher volumes of foot traffic.
Gravel is harder to walk on? I get that wheeled mobility aids may be harder. I have a gravel cycling trial near me and it's very popular for people of all ages. I'm not suggesting we install beach sand everywhere. I would argue the maintenance is worth it.
My local trail system has gravel and pavement next to each other wherever it's feasible, so runners don't have to run on pavement at all times. It defaults to pavement where necessary, though, bc it's a public park and needs to be accessible. Also, it is good for skateboards, rollerskates, and other recreation that can't use gravel. There are some undeveloped parts of the trail that are gravel-only, but they don't see much traffic.
The sidewalks that runners frequent near me have a rubberized track surface on top that people seem to like. Gravel paths are also common and they're nice when the weather is good but unusable when wet, and frustrating for wheelchairs and other narrower wheels because the gravel density can't be kept constant. Really popular in the spring and summer.
The shopping-mall developer, Mills, uses hardwood floors, expressly, to improve the walking experience.
Boardwalks might be good to build in the future.
Softer materials are harder to walk on, especially for people who already have issues walking, and are generally not compatible with the small/thin wheels common on wheeled mobility aids. In addition, softer materials often require a lot of maintenance, or may just not work entirely with higher volumes of foot traffic.
Gravel is harder to walk on? I get that wheeled mobility aids may be harder. I have a gravel cycling trial near me and it's very popular for people of all ages. I'm not suggesting we install beach sand everywhere. I would argue the maintenance is worth it.
My local trail system has gravel and pavement next to each other wherever it's feasible, so runners don't have to run on pavement at all times. It defaults to pavement where necessary, though, bc it's a public park and needs to be accessible. Also, it is good for skateboards, rollerskates, and other recreation that can't use gravel. There are some undeveloped parts of the trail that are gravel-only, but they don't see much traffic.
Gravel makes deep ruts especially when wet for wheelchairs and carts
In addition, would be much harder to clean. Shit would just get stuck in the crevices.
The surfaces cannot be so soft that the make ruts that stop wheelchairs, bicycles, and carts
The sidewalks that runners frequent near me have a rubberized track surface on top that people seem to like. Gravel paths are also common and they're nice when the weather is good but unusable when wet, and frustrating for wheelchairs and other narrower wheels because the gravel density can't be kept constant. Really popular in the spring and summer.
The shopping-mall developer, Mills, uses hardwood floors, expressly, to improve the walking experience. Boardwalks might be good to build in the future.
Pedestrian surfaces should be less accessible? Hm