Boston Sidewalks May Go Rubber

A slowly growing number of cities across the country are implementing rubber sidewalks, a new infrastructure technology that uses recycled rubber tires to create tile-like slabs of walking surface. Proponents of an initiative coming to the Boston City Council argue that the rubber sidewalks will be more forgiving to tree roots than the traditional and crack-prone concrete. Though less maintenance would be required, the cost of rubber sidewalks can be up to 30% more than concrete.

"Supporters say tree roots would get a break, snow removal would be easier, runners would be less prone to injuries, and those confined to wheelchairs would have smoother rides. Even repairs would mean benefits because noisy jackhammers wouldn't be needed."

"Rubberized sidewalks were invented about eight years ago when a public works inspector in Santa Monica, Calif., had a dream about the material after spending a long day examining sidewalks cracked by tree roots. Several years later, Rubbersidewalks Inc. took the idea and began marketing it. Since then, communities and private companies across the country have decided to try it out. A Wal-Mart in McKinney, Texas, has a bright red rubber sidewalk. Outside the courthouse in San Fernando, Calif., a gray rubber sidewalk surrounds a tree. Washington, D.C., recently launched a pilot program to test the sidewalks."

Another benefit of rubber sidewalks is the decreased risk of stepping on a crack and breaking your mother’s back.