Shared-use pathSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. 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.


10. 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. Mopeds prohibited. (Val-de-Ruz, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What are Switzerland’s official terms for a shared walking and cycling path?

The German term is gemeinsamer Rad- und Fussweg; the French term is piste cyclable et chemin pour piétons sans partage de l’aire de circulation. The sign shows both users without assigning separate sides.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 2.63.1 • Shared cycle track and footpath without separation of the traffic space (example).

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 2.63.1 • Gemeinsamer Rad- und Fussweg (Beispiel).

Français • Signal 2.63.1 • Piste cyclable et chemin pour piétons sans partage de l’aire de circulation (exemple).

Italiano • Segnale 2.63.1 • Ciclopista e strada pedonale (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 2.63.1, PDF page 110. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.

How must cyclists treat pedestrians on a Swiss shared-use path?

Cyclists must show consideration for pedestrians and warn them when necessary. A shared designation does not reserve the surface for cycling. Adapt speed and passing space to the people using the path.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

How does a Swiss divided path differ from a shared-use path?

Its sign allocates a separate side to pedestrians and cyclists. Each group uses the indicated part. On the undivided version, the same general surface is available to both, with the specific duty of consideration towards pedestrians.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OSR 741.21, 1 October 2026: OSR Art 33(4): sign 2.63.1 and pedestrian protection

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...