Cities Install Rubber Walks to Save Trees

Modular rubber sidewalk paver tiles were created by Richard Valeriano, Public Inspector of Santa Monica Public Works in 1997 for the purpose of replacing concrete sidewalks in areas where tree roots were causing chronic buckling and damage [particularly those of ficus trees]; and in an effort to reduce lawsuit settlements caused by pedestrians injuring themselves on concrete.

Rubber sidewalks are 30 inches by 12 inches. Here a four-foot sidewalk is installed in 4 rows

The tiles, sold as Rubbersidewalks, are made with recycled California tire rubber, weigh about 20 pounds each, and are easily installed and instantly ready for pedestrian, bicycle, baby-buggy, skateboard, or roller blade traffic. In addition, Rubbersidewalks allow for long term, low-cost maintenance since root growth can be trimmed every several years without damage to either tree or sidewalk, and at a fraction of the cost of jack hammering and replacing concrete.

"Strategic use of Rubbersidewalks is a real and long range solution for cities," says Lindsay Smith, CEO of Rubbersidewalks, Inc. "It is also safer, more economical and esthetically more appealing than short-term asphalt patching."

The paver tiles come in various colors, including light gray, granite gray, terra-cotta, forest green, and black; and two surface choices--smooth or brick tile design. Rubbersidewalks are durable and can last for at least ten years.

Removal of trees is costly--financially, esthetically and environmentally. The loss of mature trees affects the beauty of a community, a street, and can adversely affect property values. Preservation of trees, whenever possible, is a goal shared by most city planners and their residents. Rubbersidewalks, by saving trees and lowering costs, can help meet that challenge.

Rubbersidewalks also provide safety to pedestrians. Even where tree roots are not a consideration, Rubbersidewalks near schools, hospitals, and convalescent homes are preferable to concrete. Rubbersidewalks are also suitable in any mall or landscaping treatment.

Rubbersidewalks are a great benefit to areas undergoing constant change and development, particularly downtown areas. Unlike concrete, rubber sidewalks can be moved and repositioned at minimal cost, without damage to the tiles which can be re-used.

Cities that have installed Rubbersidewalks include Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Orange, Glendale and Cerritos, with plans for installation on several California campuses.

Experiments are being considered in each of Los Angeles' 15 council districts.

"We like the possibilities," said Cora Fossett, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works. "We'll hopefully put them in places where property owners really want to save the trees."

For more details, contact Lindsay Smith at Rubbersidewalks, Inc., 2622 West 157th St., Gardena, Calif., 90249. Call 310-515-5814 or email rubbersidewalks@aol.com