Regulatory barriers to innovative solutions for pedestrian and bicycle paths

Purpose and goal

The aim is to identify barriers in standards to use of innovative solutions for the design of pedestrian roads, and to show how such barriers can be eliminated so innovative solutions can be integrated into existing planning and design processes. This is done by starting from an existing contract to build a pedestrian and cycle path and mapping barriers in standards and similar to open up for building the GC path with an alternative, innovative solution with great climate benefits, such as an elevated wooden structure.

Expected results and effects

This project focuses on a specific solution (GC roads in wood) and a specific project (GC road along Torsgatan in Skellefteå), but the methodology developed can be used for other innovations in the future. The method involves a systematic description of the alternative solution that enables a thorough evaluation of the solution´s functionality in a road design context. A kind of verification that can show clients and road planners that the concept is practically feasible and can be offered to public customers.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is carried out in the following activities: - Creation of description of alternative solution - Design of alternative, fictitious, documentation för request for tender (RFT) - Comparative climate analysis - Synthesis and report writing - Project management