Features / things you probably didn't know
Cobbling together a solution to a bumpy problem
On a stretch of cobbles close to Brunel’s Buttery is a reminder of an experiment so controversial that it even made the pages of the Daily Mail.
Next to the railway line on the way to the chocolate path there is a patch of cobblestones in two different designs, both with a much smoother surface than the original cobbles surrounding them.
This glitch in the matrix is in fact the result of research by Bristol City Council boffins.
is needed now More than ever
The new technique to lay cobbles was tested on this small area of path in 2015 – photo: Martin Booth
The aim of the experiment was to figure out the solution to a bumpy problem: how can cobblestones be retained in historic streetscapes but cause no problems to pedestrians, cyclists or wheelchair users?
The council may have incurred the wrath of Daily Mail readers in an article with the headline What a load of cobbles – how dare they make the surface smoother for pesky cyclists! – but according to the council the new cobbles “received overwhelming support”.
The technique saw the cobbles lifted from their original position, cut in half and then relaid to make the surface smoother.
You can see the new technique for yourself in Gasworks Lane between Anchor Road and the Floating Harbour.
Two small cyclists enjoy a smoother ride along Gasworks Lane – photo: Martin Booth
The cobblestones on a short stretch of the cycle path in Castle Park near Bristol Bridge were also relaid to create a smoother surface.
Heading towards Bristol Bridge used to be a real boneshaker – photo: Mersina Booth
The Castle Park cycle lane now joins up with the segregated cycle lane on Baldwin Street – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Once you see these across Bristol, you will start seeing them everywhere
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