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FootpathAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

7. Footpath

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.

A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.

A path for pedestrians. (Vienna, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Linie29 • CC BY-SA
How does Austria distinguish a footpath from a roadside pavement?

A Gehweg is a marked route intended for pedestrians. A Gehsteig is the pedestrian part of a road separated from the carriageway by a kerb, markings or a similar feature. A combined walking and cycling route is a Geh- und Radweg.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 2, 8(4), 68(1), 76

Must pedestrians use an available footpath or pavement in Austria?

Yes. Pedestrians must use the footpath or pavement where one is available. Its existence normally means walking there rather than along the carriageway. Crossing the carriageway is governed by separate crossing rules.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 2, 8(4), 68(1), 76

May I cycle along an ordinary Austrian footpath?

Ordinary cycling along a Gehweg or Gehsteig is prohibited. A signed combined walking and cycling path is different: cyclists may use it but must not endanger pedestrians. Special rules for small children’s play bicycles must not be treated as permission for ordinary bicycle traffic.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 2, 8(4), 68(1), 76

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...