Paths, trails and tracks

Recreation planning

Best practice guidance for recreational planning of paths, trails and tracks.

Planning for recreation paths/trails

The Sunshine Coast Recreation Trails Plan 2012 outlines the key elements used in the assessment and planning of recreation paths/trails, they are as follows:

Supporting infrastructure includes embellishments such as trail signage, interpretative signage, car parking, seating and picnic facilities.

Land tenure and path/trail location siting

Land tenure

The alignment of a path/trail may traverse through various parcels of land which are controlled by various land managers (e.g. adjoining landholders, state controlled land or council controlled land). See Figure 1: Example – path/trail siting with various land managers.

Figure 1: Example – path/trail siting with various land managers

^{Source: Draft South East Queensland active trails implementation guideline.}

The following are key considerations:

Adjoining landholders

• When designing paths/trails alignment consider if a pre-existing lease or agistment arrangement is in place. Consider stock management and access e.g. install self-closing stock gates and stock grids to reduce the path/trail impact on adjoining landholders.
• Design buffer zones to mitigate potential path/trail impacts. Install screening vegetation to address privacy concerns for adjoining residential dwellings.
• Ensure adequate setbacks are provided to existing vegetation on private land.
• Where conflicting use of the land is not able to be resolved, consider diversion of the path/trail to another location.

State controlled land

• Permits are required for works on or near State controlled land and roads and on or near water courses. See to the controlling State authority for permit requirements and guidelines such as: 
  • Queensland Parks and Wildlife (National Parks Sport Recreation and Racing Queensland)
  • Transport and Main Roads (The State Road Network of Queensland).

Council controlled land

• Works on council controlled land and in road reserve requires relevant approval by the appropriate council department such as Council (Parks and Gardens - open spaces and parks), Council (Environmental Operations - natural areas and waterways) and Council (Transport Network Management - council roads).

Path/trail/track location siting:

Path/trail/track (PTT) design is critical to providing a good experience for the user and in managing the construction process. Investment of resources in thorough planning and siting of the PTT will minimise initial construction costs and ongoing maintenance costs and impacts.

When siting a new PTT, or updating an existing one, there are a number of important considerations to be reviewed prior to construction. The following principles have been developed to assist in the planning and design process:

• Be aware of who the PTT is planned for – this dictates many of the practical aspects such as slope, width, surfacing, and signage.
• Follow existing PTT where possible to minimise disturbance to the landscape. Careful examination of aerial photography and topographic maps, supported by extensive on-the-ground verification, will help ensure maximal use of already-disturbed locations.
• Consider potential impacts to existing vegetation. Paths should be adequately set back from larger trees and where tree root damage is envisaged, raised or alternative treatments should be explored. See LIM Tree sensitive design (existing and new trees) for further guidance.
• PTT should meander or ‘weave’ across the landscape to take advantage of natural and constructed features and to create interest. Long straight sections should be avoided, as these tend to become boring for the user. The PTT should always engender a sense of ‘I wonder what is around the next corner’.
• Make the PTT interesting by routing it through different vegetation and landforms.
• Locate the PTT near points of interest.
• Consider environmental and cultural values associated with the proposed route. Ensure necessary permits are obtained.
• Avoid poorly drained areas. Ensure local drainage is maintained along natural watercourses where possible.
• Follow natural contours to ensure even PTT grades.
• Avoid areas with high erosion and landslip potential.
• Ensure user safety has been considered.
• Consider the provision of access for service vehicles alongside the PTT to carry out necessary maintenance activities, or points where light maintenance vehicles can enter onto the PTT to carry out maintenance. This becomes more important in paths/trails traversing heavily vegetated landscapes.
• Where clearance envelopes are unable to be provided due to existing natural vegetation, evaluate risk for user groups such as cyclists.
• Consider appropriate remedies such as installing warning signs at the approach to start and finish of reduced clearance areas.
• Use debris from trail clearing to define path/trail edges in consultation with Council (Environmental Operations).
• If inappropriate or conflicting vegetation is encountered, consult with qualified arborist before removal.

See Figure 2: Plan - path/trail.

Figure 2: Plan - path/trail

Gradient of the site

Natural site gradient will assist in the determination of the path/trail/track (PTT) classification. Consider all factors such as user catchment type, user statistics and future area potential.

Paths/trails/tracks (PTT) classification

• PTT classification helps determine the standard of construction and the provision of signage and associated infrastructure.
• The choice of PTT classification should take into account the type of user, the expected number of users and the recreation opportunities provided throughout the PTT network.
• There are a number of PTT construction guidelines, strategies and peak body guidelines in use around Australia.

See Table 4: Summary path/trail relevant standards/legislation for further guidance.

Figure 3: Representation – PTT siting 

Single/multi-use

Path/trail/track (PTT) capacity design models relate to the provision of a single, shared or multi-use facility and are also guided by the classification of the park or open space.

The following are typical elements contained within various PTT facilities.

Single use – mountain bike trail/track

Specialist single use mountain bike trails/tracks may contain steep, narrow sections and technically difficult and interesting sections. The nature of the trail should be clearly signed at start and finish to inform users and to discourage inappropriate use.

Single use – bicycle path (off-road)

Off-road bicycle paths include velodromes and criterion paths designed exclusively for cyclists.

Specialist designed bicycle-only paths are classified recreational, commuter or connectivity use. See Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for walking and cycling. It is important to design an alignment which allows cyclists to travel at a relatively high constant speed (e.g. 30 km/h).

Shared use – walking and cyclist path/trail

Existing data suggests that walkers and cyclists may come into conflict when sharing the same pathway. Cyclists may be unaware that while they are on pedestrian pathways they are subject to the same road rules that are applicable to ‘on road’ bike paths.

Queensland Road Rules allow cyclists to use pedestrian pathways (unless signed ‘no bicycles’), however cyclists must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.

Significant issues may arise between users including differences in speed, space requirements, age, user expectation and predictability.

Conflict may occur as a result of pedestrians ‘meandering’ across a path/trail or walking in groups which cover the whole width of the path/trail. Cyclists are not always aware that older pedestrians and people with low vision or hearing loss may not hear their approach from behind or that older pedestrians may be startled if a cyclist rings a bell directly behind them, when signaling their approach.

Consider that providing a wider path/trail may encourage cyclists to move at speed. Clear regulatory signage informing both pedestrians and cyclists of their responsibility, should be included at regular intervals along a wider path/trail.

Council generally installs paths/trails which are able to be shared by walkers and cyclists.

Multi-use – walking, cycling and horse riding

When designing a path/trail/track suitable for the requirements of multiple user groups, consider the following:

• The path/trail/track PTT envelope clearance design should target the ‘highest’ needs user group (horses) and consider all user groups.
• In particular, it is unsuitable to provide horse riders with long sections of hard surfaced path / trail or cyclists with long sections of sandy path/trail.

Multi-use with vehicle

• For vehicle access requirements see 6.8 Vehicle users (Austroads classes).
• Multi use PTT with vehicle access such as a fire trail or logging road.
• Design of fire trails (unsealed roads) should be in accordance with Austroads Guide to Road Design and Austroads Guide to Pavement Technology Part 6: Unsealed Pavements.
• For basic pavement design process see Figure 7: Flow chart - pavement design selection process for further guidance.
• Road design is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified engineer.

Expected number of users

The estimated intensity of use and user demand for a has a substantial influence on design, construction, management and maintenance. 

Establish current use and future demand through key stakeholder and peak user body consultation to ascertain the base line for minimum construction and design standards. 

For design purposes PTT users may be categorised into local residents and tourists and these groups may to be further categorised into: 

• walkers (includes cyclists and mobility devices). 
• mountain bike riders (includes family and cross country riders). 
• runners. 
• horse riders (includes recreational and long distance riders). 

The designer needs to exercise professional interpretation and judgement to determine whether the potential active transport or recreational use, PTT will be: 

• low use. 
• medium use. 
• high use (destination).

Recreational users (Australian Standard classes)

The LIM has adopted the Australian standard for walking tracks to classify paths/trails: 

• AS 2156.1 – Walking Tracks – Classification and signage 
• AS 2156.2 – Walking Tracks – Infrastructure design.

This classification has also been adopted by the Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) in the document Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guidelines 2010. 

The PTT classification system allows the designer to select the ‘best fit’ classification for a proposed PTT which in turn informs the associated minimum required infrastructure that corresponds to the selected classification.

PTT classification may vary over a long section in order to accommodate changes in terrain, recreational opportunity and user requirements. These changes will be reflected in the level of embellishment selected (which is the minimum required for that classification). 

Levels of embellishment profiled in the LIM are by no means fixed but are the minimum desirable ‘best practice’ and are flexible, encourage the designer to use professional interpretation, judgement, creativity and innovation in design (with the exception of embellishments which fall under mandatory Standards), or those required under other Australian Law: 

• AS 1428.1, AS 1428.2, AS 1428.4.1, AS 1428.5 and AS/NZS 2890.6 mandate minimum requirements for access and mobility. The Sunshine Coast Council Access and Inclusion Plan demonstrates ‘council’s commitment to building inclusive communities where community participation and access enable people to move about our region with dignity, pride and independence.’ 

In the event that equal access requirements are unable to be provided (such as adverse topography), consideration should be given to include accessible elements which enable people with reduced mobility to be included in the outdoor experience. The following illustrates this concept: 

• A PTT could include a dedicated equal access car park space with continuous accessible path of travel, leading to a viewing platform with compliant furniture. AS 1428.1 – Design for access and mobility – ‘A continuous accessible path of travel shall not include a step, stairway, turnstile, revolving door, escalator, moving walk or other impediment.’ 

The design should be inclusive of people with varying levels of ability. Avoid preconceived notions regarding the capability or desire for outdoor experiences, exercise or recreational activities. The following illustrates this concept: 

• Council received a request for a rest seat at the conclusion of a PTT at a natural area waterfall. Elderly and injured people, who chose to undertake the walk, needed a seat in order to rest before undertaking the return journey. Council installed a rest seat which opened up the waterfall to a wider section of the community and is in line with the purpose of council’s Sunshine Coast Community Strategy. This equal access feature is promoted at the local information centre. 

When designing any pedestrian pathway in Queensland, care should be taken to include cyclist safety provisions within the design. Queensland Government Road Rules make provision for cyclists to use any path as long as the cyclist keeps to the left and gives way to pedestrians, with the exception being if the path is signed ‘no bicycles.’ See Queensland Government road rules for cyclists which are applicable to both on-road and off-road bicycle paths. 

For required lateral clearance to any obstacle, see Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for walking and cycling. Required clearance to an obstacle beside a path is 300 mm (absolute minimum to a smooth fence), 500 mm minimum (to an obstacle which could injure a cyclist), 1.0 m preferred and 1.5 m desirable. 

See the following tables for further guidance: 

• Table 2: Summary path/trail relevant standards/legislation 
• Table 3: Summary paths/trails relevant standards/legislation (bicycles) 
• Table 4: Summary paths/trails peak user body classification system.

Table 2: Summary path/trail relevant standards/legislation

Legislation/standard	Legislation/standard content	Hierarchy	Classes/difficulty rating
Australian Standards – Walking Tracks AS 2156.1, AS 2156.2	Part 1 Classification and Signage  Park 2 Infrastructure Design	Australian Standard adopted by Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning and the Open Space LIM
Australian Standards – Design for Access and Mobility AS 1428.1, AS 1428.2, AS 1428.4.1	Part 1: General Requirements for Access – New Building Work  Part 2: Enhanced and Additional Requirements – Buildings and Facilities  Part 4.1: Tactile ground surface indicators	Mandatory Australian Standard referenced in Disability Discrimination Act (overarching Federal legislation) Mandatory compliance requirements referenced in Building Code Australia Disability (Access to Premises) - Buildings Standards are triggered when building approval is required	N/A
Sunshine Coast Council – Recreation Trail Plan 2012	The strategy considers paths/trails that cater for non-motorised urban and non-urban recreation	Sunshine Coast Council endorsed plan Note: path/trail classification used in the Recreational Trail Plan and SCC brochures differ from Australian Standards path classification	RTP class 1  RTP class 2  RTP class 3
Austroads guidelines	Part 6A - Paths for Walking and Cycling  Part 6B - Roadside Environments	Department of Transport and Main Roads Road planning and design manual (2nd edition - Queensland supplements to the Austroads guidelines)	N/A
Australian Horse Trail Riders Association (AHTRA)	Horse trail construction guidelines	AHTRA is the peak user body for horse trails	Easy  Intermediate  Advanced
Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009	Mandatory road rules for cyclists – application for both on-road and off-road bicycle paths	Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads	N/A
Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guideline	Guideline for trail development and planning for local government and path/trail planners	Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning	Easy  Moderate  Advanced
International Mountain Bicycling Association Trails Solutions (IMBA)	Bicycle trails construction guideline.	Peak user body for mountain bike trails.	Easiest  Easy  More difficult  Very difficult  Extremely difficult

Table 3: Summary paths/trails relevant standards/legislation (bicycles) 

^{Please refer to the relevant authority websites for updated information. The documents listed above are subject to amendments from time to time.}

Table 4: Summary paths/trails – peak user body classification system

Symbol
International Mountain Bike Rider Association (IMBA)  Trail difficulty rating	Easiest  Maximum 10%  No obstacles	Easy  Maximum 15%  Avoidable and unavoidable obstacles Unavoidable bridges.	More difficult  Maximum 15%+  Avoidable and unavoidable obstacles  Unavoidable narrow bridges	Very difficult  Maximum 15%+  Avoidable and unavoidable obstacles  Loose rocks  Short sections outside criteria.	Extremely difficult  Maximum 15%+  Avoidable and unavoidable obstacles  Loose rocks  Many sections outside criteria
Australian Trail Horse Rider Association (ATHRA)  Trail classification (user difficulty)	N/A	Easy  (class 1 user difficulty rating) Novices with basic skill and fitness  Minimum 1.5 m wide at stirrup height 0 -14 km long  Open and flowing	Intermediate  (class 2 user difficulty rating)  Moderate skill and fitness  Minimum 1.5 m wide at stirrup height  Up to 49 km long  Generally flowing  Some challenging sections	Advanced  (class 3 user difficulty rating)  High skill and fitness Minimum 1.5 m wide at stirrup height  Any length No recommended trail flow.	N/A

Classification tables

Symbols used in LIM tables 

Symbols included in the following tables are indicative only and not Council approved for uses such as signage. 

Where a wheelchair symbol is required (such as for signage), select the International Symbol of Access (ISA), also known as the wheelchair symbol. 

See the following for further guidance: 

• LIM Signage
• Figure 4: User symbols.

Figure 4: User symbols

See the following tables for further guidance: 

• Table 4: Summary path/trail peak user body classification system (above) 
• Table 5: Summary path trail classifications – Classes 1 – 4
• Table 6: Standards and key considerations – Class 1 
• Table 7: Standards and key considerations – Class 2 
• Table 8: Standards and key considerations – Class 3 
• Table 9: Standards and key considerations – Class 4 and 5.

Table 5: Summary path trail classifications – Classes 1 – 4 

Category and class	Key considerations	Typical users	Typical examples
PATHS Authority: Council	≥ 1.2 m (1.8 - 3.0 m multi use)  broad hard surface suitable for wheelchairs  grades in accordance with AS 1428 series  steps only allowed with alternate ramp access  facilities include viewing platforms, seats, barrier rails.		coastal path  park path  multi use path (walk, cycle, wheelchair).
PATHS Authority: Council	≥ 1.2 m (1.8 - 3.0 m multi-use)  modified or hardened surface  maximum grade 1:10  minimal use of steps  facilities include viewing platforms, seats, barrier rails.		walking path/trail  multi-use path (horse, walk, cycle) easy to moderate.
TRAILS Authority: Council	˂ 1.2 m, varies  generally modified surface,  may have hardened sections  minimum grade generally 1:10  steps may be common  facilities generally not provided except for safety  environmental considerations.		walking path/trail  horse trail (easy to moderate)  bushwalking.
TRAILS  Authority: Council	width varies  generally distinct surface without major modification  grades limited to environmental and maintenance considerations  facilities generally not provided.		horse trail (advanced)  mountain bike path/trail  bridle path/trail  bush walking.
TRACKS Authority: Council	single trail/track, fire path/trail/track, flowing, jumps, cross country, downhill and technical difficulty.  technically difficult trails/tracks may include steep grades and obstacles requiring technical riding skills, and natural surfaces.		mountain bike track/trail
TRACKS Authority: State - Department of National Parks, Sport, Recreation and Racing responsibility

^{For path/trail head parking, drainage, facilities and signage, see corresponding LIM category for further guidance.}

Table 6: Standards and key considerations – Class 1 

Class	Relevant standard	Key considerations
CLASS 1  AS 2156.1 Walking tracks – classification and signage	Australian Standards for Walking Tracks  AS 2156.1 – Walking Tracks Part 1 Classification and Signage  AS 2156.2 – Walking Tracks Park 2 Infrastructure Design	Surfaced path suitable for wheelchairs  Steps allowed only with alternate ramp access  Embellishments include (but not limited to) signage (risk, regulatory, warning, interpretive), toilets, seats, viewing platforms  Path includes boardwalks, galleries, pedestrian bridges, viewing platforms, barriers, stairways, ramps, ladders, stiles, cableway  Walking, cycling.
	Australian Standards for Access and Mobility  AS 1428.1 – Design for Access and Mobility – General requirements for access – New building work  AS 1428.2 – Design for Access and Mobility Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements – buildings and facilities  AS 1428.4.1 – Design for Access and Mobility Part 4.1 Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment – Tactile ground surface indicators	Path width varies  1.2 m absolute minimum path width requires:  wheelchair passing bays at 6 m intervals  600 mm ‘at grade’ area both sides of the path or  kerb or,  kerb and handrail or,  wall minimum 450 mm high  For passing bays, a 1.8 m path width is required for a minimum 2.0 m  Stairs require alternate ramp access  Seats no more than 60 m apart.
	Guide to Road Design (Austroads)  Part 6A Paths for Walking and Cycling  Part 6B Roadside Environments	300 mm absolute minimum offset to a smooth fence beside a pathway  500 mm absolute minimum offset to an obstacle beside pathway (which could injure a cyclist)  2.5 m required minimum height clearance  Walking, cycling  Council standard drawing RS-065 concrete pathway construction.
	Transport Operations (Road use management - road rules) Regulation 2009 – Queensland Road Rules (Department of Transport and Main Roads).	Riding on a footpath – ‘In Queensland, cyclists of any age are allowed to ride on a footpath unless prohibited by a ‘NO BICYCLES’ sign. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and ride in a manner that does not inconvenience or endanger other footpath users’.
	Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guideline (Queensland Government Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning)	Similar to the mountain bike and horse riding guidelines, with three classifications of easy, moderate and advanced  Walking, cycling and horse riding.

Table 7: Standards and key considerations – Class 2 

Class	Relevant standard	Key considerations
CLASS 2  AS 2156.1 Walking tracks – classification and signage	Australian Standards for Walking Tracks  AS 2156.1 – Walking Tracks Part 1 Classification and Signage  AS 2156.2 – Walking Tracks Park 2 Infrastructure Design	Modified or hardened surface suitable for wheelchairs  Width varies 1.2 m absolute minimum  Viewing platforms, seats, barrier rails  Risk, warning, directional signage  Walking, cycling.
	Australian Standards for Access and Mobility  AS 1428.1 – Design for Access and Mobility – General requirements for access – New building work  AS 1428.2 – Design for Access and Mobility Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements – buildings and facilities  AS 1428.4.1 – Design for Access and Mobility Part 4.1 Means to assist the orientation of people with vision impairment – Tactile ground surface indicators.	Path width varies  1.2 m absolute minimum path width requires:  wheelchair passing bays at 6 m intervals  600 mm ‘at grade’ area both sides of the path or  kerb or,  kerb and handrail or,  wall minimum 450 mm high  For passing bays, a 1.8 m path width is required for a minimum 2.0 m  Seats no more than 60 m apart.
	Guide to Road Design (Austroads)  Part 6A Paths for Walking and Cycling  Part 6B Roadside Environments.	300 mm absolute minimum offset to a smooth fence beside a pathway  500 mm absolute minimum offset to an obstacle beside a pathway (which could injure a cyclist)  2.5 m required minimum height clearance  Walking, cycling  Council standard drawing RS-065 concrete pathway construction.
	Australian Horse Trail Riders Association (AHTRA) (construction requirements)	Horse trail (easy) – width 3.0 m desirable (absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height), Height 3.7 m minimum  Horse trail (intermediate) – absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum  Horse trail (advanced) – absolute minimum width 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum.
	Transport Operations (Road use management - road rules) Regulation 2009 – Queensland Road Rules (Department of Transport and Main Roads).	Riding on a footpath – ‘In Queensland, cyclists of any age are allowed to ride on a footpath unless prohibited by a ‘NO BICYCLES’ sign. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and ride in a manner that does not inconvenience or endanger other footpath users’.
	Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guideline (Queensland Government Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning)	Similar to the mountain bike and horse riding guidelines, with three classifications of easy, moderate and advanced  Walking, cycling and horse riding.

Table 8: Standards and key considerations – Class 3 

Class	Relevant standard	Key considerations
CLASS 3 AS 2156.1  Walking tracks – classification and signage	Australian Standards for Walking Tracks AS 2156.1 – Walking Tracks Part 1 Classification and Signage AS 2156.2 – Walking Tracks Park 2 Infrastructure Design	Slightly modified surface Width varies 1.2 m minimum Risk, warning, regulatory signage, interpretive Walking, cycling, horse riding.
	Australian Standards for Access and Mobility AS 1428.1 – Design for Access and Mobility – General requirements for access – New building work AS 1428.2 – Design for Access and Mobility Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements – buildings and facilities	path width varies  1.2 m absolute minimum path width requires: wheelchair passing bays at 6 m intervals 600 mm ‘at grade’ area both sides of the path or kerb or, kerb and handrail or, wall minimum 450 mm high For passing bays, a 1.8 m path width is required for a minimum 2.0 m Seats (no more than 60 m apart).
	Guide to Road Design (Austroads) Part 6A Paths for Walking and Cycling Part 6B Roadside Environments	500 mm absolute minimum offset to obstacles both sides of pathway (which could injure a cyclist) 2.5 m required minimum height clearance Walking, cycling  SCC standard drawing RS-065 concrete pathway construction.
	Transport Operations (Road use management - road rules) Regulation 2009 – Queensland Road Rules (Department of Transport and Main Roads).	Riding on a footpath – ‘In Queensland, cyclists of any age are allowed to ride on a footpath unless prohibited by a ‘NO BICYCLES’ sign.  Cyclists must give way to pedestrians and ride in a manner that does not inconvenience or endanger other footpath users’.
	Australian Horse Trail Riders Association (AHTRA) (construction requirements)	Horse trail (easy) – width 3.0 m desirable (absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height), Height 3.7 m minimum Horse trail (intermediate) – absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum Horse trail (advanced) – absolute minimum width 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum.
	Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guideline (Queensland Government Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning)	Similar to the mountain bike and horse riding guidelines, with three classifications of easy, moderate and advanced Walking, cycling and horse riding.

Table 9: Standards and key considerations – Class 4 and 5

Class	Relevant standard	Key considerations
CLASS 4 AS 2156.1 Walking tracks – classification and signage	Australian Standards for Walking Tracks AS 2156.1 – Walking Tracks Part 1 Classification and Signage AS 2156.2 – Walking Tracks Park 2 Infrastructure Design	Distinct surface without major modification Mountain bike path/trail (excludes technically demanding sections such as mountain bike parks) parking provision at path/trail head Risk, warning, regulatory signage, terrain descriptions e.g. single path/trail, fire path/trail, cross country, technical difficulty     Path/trail width varies 450 mm (single) to 1.5 m (two way) Bushwalking, mountain bikes, horse riding.
	Australian Horse Trail Riders Association (AHTRA) (construction requirements)	Horse trail (easy) – width 3.0 m desirable (absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height), Height 3.7 m minimum Horse trail (intermediate) – absolute minimum 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum Horse trail (advanced) – absolute minimum width 1.5 m at stirrup height, Height 3.7 m minimum.
	Draft South East Queensland Active Trails Implementation Guideline (Queensland Government Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning)	Similar to the mountain bike and horse riding guidelines, with three classifications of easy, moderate and advanced Walking, cycling and horse riding.
CLASS 5	International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Solutions (IMBA) 2007	IMBA classifications, easiest, easy, more difficult, very difficult, extremely difficult Keep water away from the path/trail – maintain cross fall at 3 - 4%, use a suitable water drainage system, maintain natural waterway. Construct sustainable grades – the lower the grade the more sustainable the track will be long term. Gravity and water will move fewer soil particles and visitors will displace less soil Make the track flow – follow the natural contour, avoid straight lines. Make sure the alignment works in both directions. Provide a suitable surface – where engineering techniques are required, build a firm foundation and ensure adequate pavement depth, use local materials, compact at the correct moisture content Design the path/trail according to soil type  Three main construction shapes – crown, out slope, in slope. Design to minimise erosion, for ease of construction, for minimal environmental impact.

Vehicle users (Austroads classes)

It is important to identify the potential vehicles that may enter a park, in order to determine design specifications for surface materials, in relation to potential vehicle load ratings. 

Generally, we need to consider: 

• council’s Parks and Gardens maintenance vehicles (e.g. 4WD, chipper, ute, crane). 
• emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police, SES, surf lifesaving). 
• regulatory vehicles (police and council’s regulatory services e.g. quad bikes). 
• public recreational vehicle access crossing a pathway such as a short vehicle towing a boat to a ramp. 
• public recreational coaches transporting people to a destination. 

Most path/trail vehicle crossovers should be designed to withstand an Austroads Class 3 Vehicle (the larger maintenance truck and chipper) as these vehicles need to cross a path regularly. Therefore a thicker slab, compacted subgrade and reinforcing is required. 

In some locations the path/trail must be designed for a heavier load where excavators and larger dump trucks (carrying a load), would be used regularly. Consult a specialist designer for vehicle crossover design.

Large truck vehicle design considerations occur at a location such as an intermittently closed and open lake or lagoon (ICOLL). Sand maintenance is regularly undertaken. In order to determine load requirements, Austroads provides guidance relative to the vehicle class. 

Vehicle classes are as follows: 

• Class 1 – short vehicle 
• Class 2 – short vehicle towing 
• Class 3 – two axle truck, bus or excavator. 

See the following: 

• Figure 5: Plan – beach maintenance vehicle crossover 
• Figure 6: Austroads vehicle classifications 
• Figure 7: Flow chart – pavement design selection process.

Figure 5: Plan – beach maintenance vehicle crossover 

Figure 6: Austroads vehicle classifications 

Figure 7: Flow chart – pavement design selection process