I don’t see much talk about that self-evident fact. Asphalt sucks in so many ways. What would be a better alternative that needs not worry about cars but mostly bicycles?

  • Miles O'Brien@startrek.website
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    2 days ago

    It allows rainwater to be absorbed rather than running off causing flooding.

    There’s an old theater I performed at twice in Southern Ohio. Built before the Civil War, and surrounded by brick buildings, a brick street out front, brick alley, and brick parking lot area.

    The second time I was there, the street had been paved, as had the back parking area, and large portion of surrounding alleys. Only the single side alley was still brick.

    The first time it rained the week I was there, the basement, while not flooded completely, had so much water running through it to the sunken boiler room, the owners had to toss down some quick 2x4 walkways so nobody was ruining costumes and footwear or slipping and suing. The walls of the basement looked like mini waterfalls.

    I popped outside during a lull and the back parking area and alley were basically acting as a funnel, pushing all the water right up to the sides of the building.

    I just checked a satellite map view and it looks like they’ve at least re-paved the back alley (don’t know if it drains any better but it’s clearly much darker and there’s lines painted) and the building beside it is gone and instead there’s a ton of grass. So maybe it’s better, but I’m sure they shortened the remaining life of the building by a ton.