Sustainable modular (bicycle) paths

Easypath has been pioneering since 2005 with high-quality precast concrete elements for bicycle paths, footpaths and agricultural roads that are durable, flexible and quick to install. Thanks to the interconnected prefab elements with a patented connection method, loose tiles, tree root pressure, subsidence and intensive maintenance are a thing of the past. A major advantage of this solution is that the individual elements can also be easily dismantled for maintenance work on underlying cables and pipes, for example.

Our modular bicycle paths were developed in 2005 and we already have many references throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and recently also in Germany, begins Jim Brouwer of Easypath. Municipalities and provinces particularly like the fact that Easypath® requires no maintenance and has a very long lifespan. "Traditional pavements in asphalt or tiles suffer a lot from root pressure, which leads to many and high maintenance costs. Easypath®, on the other hand, is guaranteed not to suffer from this, because the subsoil can be laid in a different and cheaper way and does not have to be heavily compacted, unlike traditional pavements. In this way the tree root gets enough space to grow through it and does not push up the pavement. This principle has been demonstrated by Bomenwacht Nederland.

No capital loss

Another advantage of Easypath®, according to Jim, is its longevity. "We use high quality concrete. The concrete elements have a lifespan of 80 to 100 years, which is supported by a certified LCA category 1, recorded in the National Environmental Database." Jim acknowledges that a bike path usually never stays in the same place for that long. "The elements are easily disassembled and can be reused in other locations. Furthermore, it is possible to widen an existing bike path, for example, without capital loss. It is a matter of connecting an element to it from the side. We produce the elements in working lengths of 2 meters and in any desired width from 1 to 4.5 meters wide. Bends are filled in with standard custom elements, but in the case of a bike path to be renovated, we can also take over the existing bend radius."

Easypath® is available in two versions: a 14-centimeter thick version that can withstand all maintenance vehicles up to 10 tons axle load (VK30) or a 20-centimeter thick version with a maximum axle load of 15 tons, traffic class 45 for heavy traffic. "Agricultural roads can also be laid perfectly with Easypath®. We think along with the customer in every possible way, provide complete engineering and draw up the laying plans," Jim clarifies. "In addition, it is possible to finish the elements with a reflective top layer, for example, so that you can create a very visible path with much less lighting."