## Section 2.1: Cover
Routes between [parking areas](/chapters/parking-areas.md) and at least one entrance should be covered to protect from the weather. Not everyone can sprint inside when the weather gets bad! **When the parking area is not attached to the home, it is especially important to have a covered path to at least one entrance**. There are many different ways to do this beautifully. See below for some examples.
### 2.1.1 Open-Air Breezeway
**Sources:** [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/photos/country-garden-breezeway-and-carriage-barn-farmhouse-shed-burlington-phvw-vp~30986316) I [Kelly Hogan](https://kellyhogan.com/detached-garage-with-breezeway/) I [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-of-the-day-country-comfort-in-australiaphotos-1408930846?epik=dj0yJnU9QjFQb0xKbndZZ0RzX0RfMlhOMjV0ckNFZ3hSRTBIVEYmcD0wJm49NzAtMWtvUVhSd1YzSDJGS1pNZHhHQSZ0PUFBQUFBR2cyRHVr) I [Houzz Magazine](https://www.houzz.com/magazine/covered-walkways-add-beauty-and-weather-protection-too-stsetivw-vs~98480555) I
### 2.1.2 Enclosed Breezeways
{% columns %}
{% column width="33.33333333333333%" %}
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{% column %}
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**Sources:** [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/809733208003989075/) I [House of Hargrove](https://houseofhargrove.com/new-house-carriage-garage-breezeway-inspiration/)
## 2.2 Solid surface
Similar to parking surfaces discussed in chapter one, **pathway surfaces should be solid, durable, trip resistant, and slip resistant**! The UD project suggests the following materials as options: asphalt, smooth concrete, textured or aggregate concrete, wood decking, composite decking, and/or textured/slip-resistant metal.
{% hint style="info" %}
Asphalt or concrete surfaces are typically the best options for people who rely on support (wheelchairs, canes, etc.) for mobility and are less likely to cause someone to trip because they are generally smooth and even.
Pathways made out of wood or metal should be durable and slip-resistant. Some decking and ramps can be hazardous when wet. Wood can warp and weather.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Exceptions:
If brick, pavers, or other solid surfaces are used, they must be level and installed to minimize the chance of becoming uneven, creating unnecessary hazards that can cause people to trip and/or fall.
{% endhint %}
### 2.2.1 Pathway Surface Examples
{% columns %}
{% column width="41.66666666666667%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
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{% hint style="info" %}
* Pictured on the left is aggregate concrete (see section 1.3 for more info on this) and on the right is composite decking.
* The example on the right incorporates ample lighting and allows anyone to access the whole yard on a solid surface.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Consideration**
Pathways need to be well maintained. Weather and regular use can cause surfaces to become uneven over time, creating unnecessary hazards that cause people to trip and/or fall. Sometimes, the slightest bump (even a half inch) can cause a wheel or foot to get caught, potentially throwing someone’s balance off.
{% endhint %}
## 2.3 Lighting
Similarly to parking area, described in [Section 1.4](https://style.universaldesign.org/chapters/pages/-LhfaTQBRU0rtZ9as4I2#section-1.4-lighting), **outdoor walkways need to be well lit with multiple sources of light** to ensure safety and functionality when navigating the exterior of your home in the dark.
### 2.3.1 Well-lit Walkway Examples
{% columns %}
{% column width="33.33333333333333%" %}
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**Sources:** [Lakeland Landscaping](https://lakelandlandscaping.com/signature-portfolio/landscape-lighting-gallery/) I [Lights Over DMV](https://lightsoverdmv.com/4-reasons-why-outdoor-lighting-is-a-must/)
{% hint style="info" %}
Thoughtful and thorough lighting is necessary for safe and easy navigation of pathways at night or in dark areas (under the cover of trees, stairwells, etc). The objective should be to minimize shadows. The placement of light sources is essential for people to focus on where they are going. Positioning is crucial to help users avoid looking directly toward a light source, which can cause glare and become a barrier.
Lighting low to the ground/floor or just above the ground/floor can create cues about the direction to follow. Use low lights to help define the pathway, but don’t make these lights a focal point.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="success" %}
**Recommended: indirect and low lighting:**
Using indirect ambient lighting and low lighting that illuminates the floor without visible bare bulbs or translucent covers (from a seated or standing position) is ideal. Indirect lighting reduces eye strain and is more calming than direct lighting.
{% endhint %}
### 2.3.2 Product Ideas
{% columns %}
{% column width="41.66666666666667%" %}
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{% column %}
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{% endcolumns %}
**Options:** [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ring-Smart-Lighting-Solar-Black-Motion-Activated-Outdoor-Integrated-LED-Pathlight-5AT1S6-BEN0/312554841#overlay) I [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Ahaorigin-Pathway-Brighter-Waterproof-Driveway/dp/B0DQTK2BGJ/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._yfAzCu9aCh6-ToKVAAU0JwlU08iTfnsjJaYbYGyLpinjYmsTzpqxX9SEZRqpQ_x0HuIBtJA1fyqyivi9uzDQUu2ys4vRB36Ef4Qy_9EphCMJJ7xGhAEvcMG_uSuXfGvQtyjGG_OhAeieTA1AeFRQ46IOVOAPO3EOyEWGvC4zG6OkZPkoUQDB-guAzugqmQLmgcP7dFiJPkF0eftRnhpECiPl81B-xcAPhmY7qu6tAay6BjitAxx7p5BZuoEgE6L9l7ZT7s8YdeEzi96PPJbgtt-cRZKoo7SUjhzO_xktDE.hck2AL55jX1DktJjwDEGLZ6Crro3gt9sx9xMvbWk5u0\&dib_tag=se\&keywords=motion%2Bsensor%2Bwalkway%2Blights\&qid=1749158597\&sr=8-13-spons\&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY\&th=1) I [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZ4LTH3/?_encoding=UTF8\&pd_rd_i=B07YZ4LTH3\&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_ssd_vid\&pd_rd_w=KgTuZ\&content-id=amzn1.sym.ccb770a9-35d1-4af6-8af2-bcbd12656fbb\&pf_rd_p=ccb770a9-35d1-4af6-8af2-bcbd12656fbb\&pf_rd_r=3D857PJ57ZBK3JG8DFEY\&pd_rd_wg=J5zrv\&pd_rd_r=e17d7676-8bc4-4cc6-b1e7-bbec7930ac53\&th=1) I [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Leelands-Landscape-Lighting-Aluminum-Retaining/dp/B085BK3BPJ?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext\&ref_=fplfs\&gQT=1\&th=1)
{% hint style="info" %}
**Automatic Lighting Activation**
* **Motion-sensor:** These lights activate when motion is detected within a specified radius. It is a cost/energy saver compared to lights set to turn on all night with a timer but may be less reliable depending on the motion detection capabilities.
* **Solar-powered:** These lights charge from the sun throughout the day and turn on automatically at night! This is a nice option to reduce costs/energy use but may be less reliable than hardwired timer lights or motion sensors due to unpredictable charging.
* **Timer:** These can be [mechanical](https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/115374/TORK-402B.html?gad_source=1\&gad_campaignid=17424145106\&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uQn4GFufxlHcKwvicoGK9nnJxf\&gclid=CjwKCAjw9anCBhAWEiwAqBJ-c4EXZsrf7eWkDs9mwxYgbb_Jz7m-uDJl2khcj5Z0gS9yVaNdjYEOfhoC_pEQAvD_BwE), [digital](https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Honeywell-Home-120-Volt-7-Day-Programmable-Indoor-Outdoor-Motor-and-Light-Switch-Timer-with-Automatic-Daylight-Savings-RPLS740B1008-U/206359939?g_store=\&source=shoppingads\&locale=en-US\&pla\&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D27E-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-NA_PLATEST\&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D27E-027_002_WIRING_DEVIC-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-NA_PLATEST-22111690049-174269720618-329922003280\&gad_source=1\&gad_campaignid=22111690049\&gbraid=0AAAAADq61Uf6Jvj3knZai_g0W86EHpkNG\&gclid=CjwKCAjw9anCBhAWEiwAqBJ-c7IdQRXlZpYsJAmbDxwxvI6pFWFdQh-I5ctlLIt855WTq7JDnhmuVxoClLwQAvD_BwE\&gclsrc=aw.ds), or [smart](https://www.amazon.com/SURAIELEC-Electrical-120-240V-Waterproof-Decorations/dp/B0D9LC6QM7?gQT=1) timers accessed via your phone. Any outdoor lighting product can be connected to these so you have automatic lighting with whatever fixture you like best.
{% endhint %}
---
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