Footpath Width

Footpath width refers to the measurement of the distance between the edges of a footpath. It represents the amount of space available for pedestrians to walk or move along the footpath. See image below.

However, sometimes there are obstacles in the footpath that reduce the space of the footpath, such as the images below.

Do you think wheelchair users can continue on these paths without going on the grass? Probably not! While for a non-disabled person the width may not matter much as they can walk on the grass or go around, it is very important for a wheelchair user to know that there is enough space for them as they make their journey.

Sometimes bushes may become overgrown and block the path, or there may be barriers or surface problems that, for whatever reason, reduce the space on the footpath. It is important for users to be able to know beforehand whether it is wide enough for them to fit through spaces that they cannot avoid or get past. When measuring, you will measure the smallest width that cannot be avoided.

Footpath Widths are subcategorised by the the measurement of the width of the footpath at the narrowest point:

• 0.00m - 0.99m

• 1.00m - 1.49m

• 1.50m - 1.99m

• 2.00m+