Strip Seal Expansion Joint for Bridges with Bicycle Lanes

Strip seal expansion joints in bicycle lane areas on bridges must be designed to prevent bicycle wheel entrapment, which can cause cyclists to fall and sustain serious injuries. The joint orientation and gap width are critical safety parameters. Bicycle wheel entrapment occurs when a bicycle wheel falls into the joint gap and becomes trapped. This can cause the cyclist to be thrown over the handlebars, resulting in serious injury. The risk of entrapment depends on the gap width relative to the bicycle tire width, and the angle between the joint and the direction of travel. Gap width limitation for bicycle lane joints must be more stringent than for motor vehicle lanes. The maximum gap width for bicycle lanes is typically 13 mm to prevent narrow bicycle tires from falling into the gap. The joint must be designed to maintain this maximum gap width throughout the movement range. Joint orientation relative to the direction of travel affects the risk of bicycle wheel entrapment. A joint that is perpendicular to the direction of travel presents the highest risk of entrapment. A joint that is at an angle of 45 degrees or more to the direction of travel presents a lower risk because the bicycle wheel crosses the joint at an angle. Cover plate design for bicycle lane joints uses a metal plate that spans the joint gap and provides a smooth surface for cyclists. The cover plate must be designed to support the bicycle loading without excessive deflection. The plate surface must be slip-resistant to prevent skidding in wet conditions. Maintenance of bicycle lane bridge joints requires regular inspection of the gap width and the cover plate condition. Any increase in the gap width beyond the maximum allowable value must be corrected promptly. The cover plate must be inspected for damage and replaced if it is cracked or deformed.