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Rotskador på cykelbanor i Malmö: Konflikten om det urbana utrymmet

Rämmal, Cecilia LU and Maksimovic, Marina (2026) In CODEN: LUTVDG/(TVTT-5387)/1-113/2026 VTVM05 20261
Transport and Roads
Abstract
Urban sustainability depends on both green infrastructure and safe, accessible cycling networks, yet these systems often come into conflict. Tree roots can disrupt paved cycle paths, causing surface deformation that compromises user comfort and safety while increasing maintenance demands. This thesis examines the drivers of root-related damage in cycle infrastructure, focusing on interactions between tree traits, spatial conditions and construction choices. The study draws on a 2024 municipal inventory of path damage in Malmö, combined with datasets on tree characteristics, planting beds and pavement structures. GIS-based matching, field verification and analysis of technical drawings were used to link individual trees to observed damage,... (More)
Urban sustainability depends on both green infrastructure and safe, accessible cycling networks, yet these systems often come into conflict. Tree roots can disrupt paved cycle paths, causing surface deformation that compromises user comfort and safety while increasing maintenance demands. This thesis examines the drivers of root-related damage in cycle infrastructure, focusing on interactions between tree traits, spatial conditions and construction choices. The study draws on a 2024 municipal inventory of path damage in Malmö, combined with datasets on tree characteristics, planting beds and pavement structures. GIS-based matching, field verification and analysis of technical drawings were used to link individual trees to observed damage, followed by regression and factor analyses to identify influential variables. Findings show that damage risk is primarily associated with species selection, tree size, proximity to paved surfaces and planting bed and pavement design. In contrast, planting age and tree condition play a smaller role. Constrained and impermeable soils tend to exacerbate root intrusion, whereas designs that provide greater rooting volume, such as structural soils, help mitigate damage. The results highlight the need for integrated planning that align tree establishment conditions with infrastructure design to reduce conflicts and support long-term urban sustainability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Rämmal, Cecilia LU and Maksimovic, Marina
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Root Damage on Cycle Paths in Malmö: The Conflict for Urban Space
course
VTVM05 20261
year
type
H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
subject
keywords
Rotskador, Rotinträngning, Cykelbana, Växtbädd, Stadsträd
publication/series
CODEN: LUTVDG/(TVTT-5387)/1-113/2026
report number
420
ISSN
1653-1922
language
Swedish
id
9238216
date added to LUP
2026-06-17 09:41:18
date last changed
2026-06-17 09:41:18
@misc{9238216,
  abstract     = {{Urban sustainability depends on both green infrastructure and safe, accessible cycling networks, yet these systems often come into conflict. Tree roots can disrupt paved cycle paths, causing surface deformation that compromises user comfort and safety while increasing maintenance demands. This thesis examines the drivers of root-related damage in cycle infrastructure, focusing on interactions between tree traits, spatial conditions and construction choices. The study draws on a 2024 municipal inventory of path damage in Malmö, combined with datasets on tree characteristics, planting beds and pavement structures. GIS-based matching, field verification and analysis of technical drawings were used to link individual trees to observed damage, followed by regression and factor analyses to identify influential variables. Findings show that damage risk is primarily associated with species selection, tree size, proximity to paved surfaces and planting bed and pavement design. In contrast, planting age and tree condition play a smaller role. Constrained and impermeable soils tend to exacerbate root intrusion, whereas designs that provide greater rooting volume, such as structural soils, help mitigate damage. The results highlight the need for integrated planning that align tree establishment conditions with infrastructure design to reduce conflicts and support long-term urban sustainability.}},
  author       = {{Rämmal, Cecilia and Maksimovic, Marina}},
  issn         = {{1653-1922}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{CODEN: LUTVDG/(TVTT-5387)/1-113/2026}},
  title        = {{Rotskador på cykelbanor i Malmö: Konflikten om det urbana utrymmet}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}