Gravel - Traffic Calming

R4nger · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Karma :

All the good roads around here have had loose gravel put on the roads. They RECOMMEND 20mph on all gravel, even around sharp bends. Now, the problem is ofcourse traction. It's not just the gravel in the middle of the road, it gets pushed around where the wheels on a car don't; around the edges and middle of the road. It feels very dangerous going at the speed limit (40mph usually) and going in and out of side roads. They are also saving money with no road markings at all. Surely the council have to sweep it every week atleast?
Also, my is my legal position if I come off because of this gravel?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

They do that a lot at this time of year because the tar is hot and soft and there is not a lot of salt and muck on the road.

The tarring process relys on wheels running over the newly layed surface to press the gravel into the bitumen. They do eventually sweep it down once the initial surface has been compacted enough.

I suspect that you wouldn't have a leg to stand on if you came off on it (no pun intended) providing they put up appropriate signage warning you of the hazard.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

biggerjohn · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Karma :

Barry · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Karma :

I'm not sure about the legality of this, but I agree with biggerjohn. It would be far more sensible to let a roller do the job of pressing the gravel into the new road, presuming this is what youre on about.

It incredibly dangerous to leave loose gravel on the road and when there is wet tar also involved - your tyres also just pick up that wet crap and it make riding unstable untill you can 'spin' them off.

Its just another sign that roads are built for cars and not motor vehicles as a whole. - scandalous!

Fruit'n'nut · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Well, they have always built roads like that as far back as I can remember. It is not a new thing, I will admit that it is crap to ride on a freshly chipped road but that type of surface is a godsend when it comes to winter and there is ice on the roads.

I don't have a problem riding on the stuff, you just have to take care. I find the biggest problem is stones being thrown up by other vehicles so keeping a big gap is a must.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.