Re: [RC] Traction on wooden bridges? - Barbara McCrary
I'm not an expert on this, but I had an idea to add to
the one about gravel. How about nailing 1 X 4 strips of
lumber all around the perimeter of the bridge and then sprinkle about a
1/2" layer of decomposed granite (DG) within this boundary. DG is kinder
to horses' feet than regular granite, and it is quite anti-slip. We have
basically one winter trail in our area, and that is because it is composed
mostly of DG. We do, however, have wooden deck bridges, and we have not
treated them with anything. When they are damp, we dismount and lead the
horses across. Far too risky to ride across.
Another idea might be to secure rubber stall mats on
the deck. Would they become slippery when wet? I'm not sure.
Or how about buying some relatively cheap mud mats, the kind that have cutouts
and flocking on the surface, and screwing them to the deck. That way, the
bicyclists can ride across them, too.
I have been tasked with finding a solution
to a slick bridge problem. Hoping someone else has some
expierence.
Our local park, has a multi-use trail (hikers,
bikers, horses), the land here is very low and the trails border a lake.
There are quite a few muddy or wet spots (the sink to your knees type) that
have been covered with treated wooden boardwalks and bridges. About half
of these bridges are fine, they get plenty sunlight and are only slick in the
rain. The over half, hardly ever see sunlight, and quickly
get green slick slime layers coating them. The bikers are fine,
walkers have a little trouble, for the horses its just dangerous.
Ideas presented:
*Power wash them -- too
short term solution
*Grip strips like on
stairs -- I don't feel they would last, they wear slick pretty quickly
just with humans in tennis shoes
*Grip paint - again, will it
really hold up with horses in steel shoes?
*Thin wooden strips
-- it would work for us, but how would the bikers like it? (anyone
mountain bike?)
*Fine gravel or sand
- this so far sounds to be the best idea
Removing or replacing these bridges is out, most
are new, and there's about 30 total. Also there is an access problem,
the trails are just wide enough for an ATV or small tractor. (single
tract for horses)
