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Shared-use pathAustria

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Traffic rules
Austria

9. Shared-use path

A shared-use path is a path or part of a road intended for use by both pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike facilities where pedestrians and cyclists have clearly separated sections, users of a shared-use path normally travel within the same general space.

Because users may travel at very different speeds, cyclists should approach pedestrians carefully, adapt their speed and leave sufficient space when passing. The permitted users, priority rules and any speed restrictions depend on the local traffic signs and regulations.

Shared-use path
Shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, with cycling not compulsory. (Tullnerbach, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Linie29 • CC BY-SA
What is a shared-use path?

A shared-use path is a path or part of a road intended to be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Is a shared-use path the same as a cycle path?

Not necessarily. A cycle path is primarily intended for cyclists, while a shared-use path is specifically intended to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists together.

Do pedestrians and cyclists have separate sides on a shared-use path?

Not always. On a genuinely shared path, both categories may use the same space. Other facilities may divide pedestrians and cyclists into separate sections using signs, markings or physical separation.

Should cyclists slow down near pedestrians?

Yes. Cyclists should adapt their speed when approaching or passing pedestrians and leave sufficient space to avoid creating danger or discomfort.

Can cyclists ring a bell before passing pedestrians?

Yes, where appropriate. An audible warning can help alert pedestrians before a cyclist passes, but it should be used considerately and does not give the cyclist priority.

Do cyclists automatically have priority over pedestrians?

No. The applicable priority and conduct rules depend on local law. On a shared facility, cyclists should expect pedestrians to move within the available space.

Can mopeds use a shared-use path?

This depends on the signs and local vehicle classifications. Some shared facilities are limited to pedestrians and bicycles, while others also permit specified moped categories.

Can speed pedelecs use a shared-use path?

This depends on local law. Because speed pedelecs can travel substantially faster than ordinary bicycles, some countries or facilities exclude them from pedestrian-and-cycle shared paths.

Can motor vehicles use a shared-use path?

Normally no. Motor vehicles may use such a path only where a specific exception or local rule permits access, for example for maintenance or emergency purposes.

Can a shared-use path cross a roadway?

Yes. At crossings, pedestrians and cyclists must follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs, road markings and crossing rules.

Can a shared-use path be two-way?

Yes. Many shared-use paths carry pedestrians and cyclists travelling in both directions. Users should therefore remain alert for approaching traffic from ahead as well as users travelling in the same direction.

What should cyclists do when a shared-use path is crowded?

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Crowded conditions may make normal cycling speed unsafe even when no specific lower speed limit is posted.

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 ...