[closed] how do I change the appearance of a section of road?

I want to produce a simplified map of a short cycle ride. I am using Inkscape to edit an SVG file. I can alter the properties of sections of roadway to highlight the recommended route, and then change its appearence, but I have a problem when my recommended route diverges from a longer section of roadway. I understand how to break a path at a selected node, but I don't understand how the section of road is formed into some sort of group. 'Ungroup' doesn't make any difference, and I cannot find out how I can modify the properties of only part of a section of road. Any suggestions?