FRP GRATING | A SAFER WAY FORWARD

Australia is home to an incredible network of rail trails and shared cycle paths that play a crucial role in offering bike riders a safe and scenic way to explore the outdoors. However, for councils and parks, keeping cyclists protected – particularly during wet or icy conditions – is an ongoing challenge.

Traditional materials like timber, steel and concrete are falling out of favour due to concerns about grip, weather resistance and high maintenance demands. Additionally, many of these trails are in rural and remote areas, and are susceptible to flooding and bushfires. That’s why many teams are turning to fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) for cycle trails, shared paths and walkways. With its grit-engineered anti-slip surface, low maintenance and minimal environmental impact, FRP walkway grating offers a modern solution for public infrastructure that’s built to last.

Whether it’s a quick trail upgrade or a full bridge installation, Terra Firma offers FRP access solutions tailored to the needs of councils and park authorities. For simple applications, FRP sheets can be laid directly onto rough terrain to stabilise the path and prevent erosion, making them ideal for minimally invasive upgrades. For more complex requirements, FRP systems can bridge gaps, adapt to uneven terrain or even form complete walkway structures including handrails and substructure. These solutions are compatible with both new builds and retrofits. Councils can choose full sheets or request pre-cut panels, depending on what best suits their project scale and available labour.

WHY FRP IS THE SAFER CHOICE

• Anti-slip surface Grit-embedded FRP grate maintains traction on slopes, rain-slick surfaces, or icy paths
• Cycle-friendly handrails Inward-projecting top rails keep cyclists’ bodies and bicycles clear of fencing and prevent entanglement
• BAL 40 bushfire rating Allows safe use in high fire-risk areas without compromising safety
• Preserved aesthetics FRP walkway grating offers concealed visual integration. Custom mesh sizing and colours can match trail aesthetics
• Off-road safety FRP grating sheets are a simple safety solution for mountain bike riders. FRP grating integrates with FRP structural profiles to bridge streams, rocky areas or other complex terrain. It can also be laid in direct contact with the ground to manage dips or soft terrain, add structure and reduce erosion.

Terra Firma can tailor solutions precisely for cycle safety without over engineering. FRP grating can be customised by fire rating, strength, surface profile or grit level (low grit for barefoot beach paths, medium for shared-use rail trails and high for industrial access). Many cycle trails are not only in remote, but also in ecologically sensitive areas. Terra Firma’s FRP outdoor access structures are frequently used in isolated, rugged or bushfire-prone areas where traditional materials fail. For example, at Mt. Sturgeon in the Grampians, Terra Firma manufactured and delivered a fire-resistant FRP walkway that could be airlifted into a remote, high-risk site, cut to size and ready to install, with no hot works required.

Councils and parks teams across Australia are increasingly recognising the long-term value of FRP in rail trail infrastructure. Its combination of safety, durability, and environmental resilience makes it a natural fit for cycle paths, rail trails, and shared-use walkways. As budgets tighten and maintenance demands grow, FRP emerges as a cost-effective solution – without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

 Visit Terra Firma via the links below to learn more