Outdoor recreation: Bicycle and horse back riding route at multifunctional overpass (wildlife, bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, Austria.
In general, human co-use of crossing structures is negatively associated with wildlife use. However, in multifunctional landscapes it seems wise to consider the combined use of wildlife and people at crossing structures under or over major highways or railroads. The wildlife species that live in such landscapes are likely to have adapted to a certain level of human disturbance, and perhaps these species even thrive with this human presence. These species may not substantially reduce their use of the structures as a result of human co-use, but they may use the structures primarily at night when human use is very low or non-existent. By considering human co-use, especially non-motorized traffic, there may be more support in society to build crossing structures that are suitable for wildlife. This then perhaps allows for more multifunctional structures to be build compared to structures that would be for wildlife only. However, in pristine ecosystems with species known to be very sensitive to human disturbance separate structures for wildlife and people may be more appropriate.
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Trail sign for horseback riders on top of multifunctional overpass (farm road and wildlife, about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, AustriaTrail sign for horseback riders on top of multifunctional overpass (farm road and wildlife, about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, Austria. The overpass is designed for farmers, agricultural machinery, hunters and wildlife including roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and European hare (Lepus europaeus).
Bicycle route signs near multifunctional overpass (wildlife, bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, AustriaBicycle route signs near multifunctional overpass (wildlife, bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, Austria. The overpass is designed for farmers, agricultural machinery, hunters and wildlife including roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and European hare (Lepus europaeus).
Bicycle path on top of multifunctional overpass (wildlife and bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, AustriaBicycle path on top of multifunctional overpass (wildlife and bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, Austria. The overpass is designed for farmers, agricultural machinery, hunters and wildlife including roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and European hare (Lepus europaeus).
Bicycle route sign on pavement on top of multifunctional overpass (wildlife, bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, AustriaBicycle route sign on pavement on top of multifunctional overpass (wildlife, bicyclists, pedestrians; about 100 m wide), across A4 motorway, Parndorf, Austria. The overpass is designed for farmers, agricultural machinery, hunters and wildlife including roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and European hare (Lepus europaeus).