Separated pathSwitzerland
Traffic rules
Switzerland
1. Separated path
A separated path is a path or part of a road where different categories of road users, typically pedestrians and cyclists, are assigned separate sections of the same overall route. The sections may be distinguished by road markings, different paving materials, a kerb or another physical separation.
Users should remain within the part of the path intended for them and take particular care where the sections cross, merge or connect with roads. The permitted users, priority rules and any speed restrictions depend on the local traffic signs and regulations.
What is Switzerland’s French term for a path with separate walking and cycling parts?
The official description is piste cyclable et chemin pour piétons avec partage de l’aire de circulation. The sign assigns a part to each category using the positions of the bicycle and pedestrian symbols. This differs from the version without allocation.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.
English • Traffic sign 2.63 • Cycle track and footpath with separation of the traffic space (example).
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.63 • Rad- und Fussweg mit getrennten Verkehrsflächen (Beispiel).
Français • Signal 2.63 • Piste cyclable et chemin pour piétons, avec partage de l’aire de circulation (exemple).
Italiano • Segnale 2.63 • Ciclopista e strada pedonale divise per categoria (esempio).
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 2.63, PDF page 110. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.
Which section must Swiss pedestrians and cyclists use on a divided path?
Each category must use the part assigned by the sign. Follow the depicted position and the actual division of the path. The fact that both users appear on one sign does not authorise either group to use the whole route width.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
How does Switzerland distinguish allocated sections from a shared surface?
The divided version allocates separate parts to pedestrians and cyclists. The undivided version instead allows shared use without that allocation and requires cyclists to show consideration for pedestrians. Check which version is displayed before choosing your part of the route.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): signs 2.63 and 2.63.1
