A new type of road surface sucks up puddles – an innovation that promises to make winter commuting safer for cyclists and motorists alike.
Standing water is always unwelcome for cyclists – not least because it’s impossible to see what hazards lurk below the surface. Topmix Permeable is a fast-road surface that rapidly directs storm water off streets and walkways. The engineers who developed the surface claim that it reduces long-term maintenance costs for local authorities. Even more importantly, it could help reduce standing water.
Large puddles at the kerbside are a particular hazard for cyclists because they can force you into a position in the road that can leave you exposed to danger.
Road surface sucks up puddles, but where does the water go?
The topmix permeable road surface sucks up puddles, but where does the water go? It simply allows water to drain quickly and efficiently into the substrate, thereby taking the strain off drains that can be overwhelmed by heavy rain.
Large puddles and standing water can force cyclists into a dangerous position on the road
Environmentally friendly cycle insurance
On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it. Read our insider guide to cycle insurance.
ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and offers a new-for-old for life – however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model. Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy from us helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalue bikes no matter their age, allow you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replace stolen quick release components and handle claims in-house.
The Good Shopping Guide voted us Britain’s most ethical insurance company 2015.
Matt Hodges
It sounds very good but how long will it be before it clogs? An enormous amount of debris falls onto road surfaces and normally washes into drains clogging them up. Leaves pounded into mush by tyres; rubber from tyres; soil from adjacent verges and gateways; and all sorts of rubbish falling off vehicles. Gullies need cleaning regularly removing tons of muck. One of our problems today is with funding cuts highway authorities are skimping on gully emptying resulting in blocked gullies and large puddles.
With this porous surface that same muck will clog the pores over time. How long will it be before not only the road surface needs replacing but also the substrate that is now bunged up with muck that can’t be easily removed as it can from proper gullies? This sounds like a short term solution that will result in a much greater long term problem.
It is the old Tory problem; save pence today and let someone else spend pounds tomorrow to put it right.
Corrigan Blake
Totally agree Mr Hodges