Cycle safe grating designed in partnership with Transport for London

Saint-Gobain PAM UK has developed a new cycle-friendly drainage grating, working in conjunction with Transport for London (TfL).

The company said the design of the Watershed Orbis involves a grid mesh design that is safer for cyclists but still ensures that surface water is efficiently drained through its large waterway area.

Ivan Bennett, senior industrial product designer for TfL, said: ‘A number of modern road bikes have very narrow wheels and a risk assessment identified a possible hazard where wheels could get stuck in drainage gratings. Saint-Gobain PAM UK worked with us to develop a solution which is now being installed.’

Watershed Orbis has a load class of D400 to withstand loads of up to 40 tonnes and can be used in city roads that have continuous heavy traffic. Large multi directional wedge settings enhance stability.

The grating’s single piece captive hinge grate design aims to make maintenance and cleaning operations safer. Available with left hand, right hand or kerb facing orientation, the grating can be used on any road including one-way systems.

Paul Thompson, marketing manager for Saint Gobain PAM UK, said: ‘The development of Orbis is the first of many new gratings that we are adding to the Watershed range later this year. The range is designed for a long life with minimal and simple maintenance and efficient removal of surface water.’

In common with other Saint-Gobain PAM access covers and gratings, Watershed Orbis features the Install Plus installation and frame levelling system. This helps installers fit ironwork right first time. Installers use adjustable nylon inserts and bolts within the frame flange to adjust its height and bring it level with the road surface and allow for road gradient or camber.