Asphalt vs concrete - what do you prefer for building shared paths and bike paths? 

Hi BayBUG, I prefer any cycle path to cycling on the road, mixing it with cars. The new concrete paths in Kings Park are certainly well constructed. Proper engineered expansion joints with steel reinforcing to prevent the “lifting” and “sagging” of slabs that cause the uneven paths over time. In addition, they prepared proper earthworks, sub-base and then cast a layer of “no-fines” concrete that I suppose will assist with drainage of groundwater. This will prevent the softening and subsidence of the sub-base. It may also prevent tree roots “following the damp spots” (nature is wonderful) collecting under the path. There is no reason why they should not follow proper road construction, base, sub-base and stabilized filling for asphalt paths. It will cost more, but save a lot on maintenance and repair work over time. Thanks for the interesting videos!

I'd leave the question of which is better to the engineers. I think the problem occurs when maintenance is ignored and that is evident not just in the surface but also the shrubs and trees that can impede on the path. We have some doozy paths here in Melbourne with shrubs growing almost across the entire path, debris strewn over the paths and the number of trucks and other maintenance vehicles parking or crossing paths to do maintenance on other infrastructure (not the paths).

Hi Nigel. Asphalt much better of course. Especially for a soft as butter, sunshine only rider like me 😅. Council has just been repairing concrete footpath on Alexander Drive between ECU/Mt Lawley HS and Yokine reserve - should have made it proper bike path (even if not a major cycle route). Stirling seems very poor on bike paths. Keep up the good work Rob

New asphalt is the nicest, but otherwise it's not the material, but how well they're maintained that matters

Its not a proper cycleway unless there is a bollard, tree, power pole or road safety sign smack bang in the middle of it. But seriously IMHO choice of pavement is horses for courses. I did Wangaratta to Bright several years back and that was paved in crushed granite - velvety smooth. Otherwise new asphalt is my first choice but it doesn't take too long before degradation takes its toll. Concrete 2nd choice but maintains its qualities for much longer. So the more important issue is not choice of paving but whether there is a commitment to ongoing maintenance after the project reaches practical completion.

The issue with putting asphalt in some of these locations is generally the height of the paver and/or truck needed to place the asphalt in the first place. If there are lots of trees to dodge, concrete can sometimes be easier to construct.

Generally asphalt but they get crazy hot on summer days

I have seen mulit-use paths where a raised concrete slab is ground down to the height of the adjacent slab to allow a smooth transition.

I prefer asphalt. It is does not last as long but nothing beats fresh asphalt.