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FootpathGermany

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany

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, cyclists allowed. (Niedenstrasse Hilden, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Velopilger • CC BY-SA
What is a footpath?

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrians.

Is a footpath the same as a pavement?

Not necessarily. A pavement or sidewalk normally runs alongside a roadway, while a footpath may follow an independent route or pass through an area without an adjacent roadway.

Who may use a footpath?

Pedestrians are the primary users. Depending on the signs and local regulations, cyclists or other categories may also be permitted on shared paths.

Can cyclists use a pedestrian-only footpath?

Normally no when the path is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Cyclists may have to dismount unless local rules or signs allow cycling.

Can someone walking a bicycle use a footpath?

In many countries, a person walking a bicycle by hand is treated as a pedestrian and may therefore use pedestrian facilities, subject to local rules.

Can motor vehicles use a footpath?

Normally no when the route is reserved for pedestrians. Limited access may sometimes be authorised for maintenance, emergency or other specific purposes.

Can a footpath be shared with cyclists?

Yes. A route may be designated as a shared pedestrian-and-cycle path. Users must follow any signs indicating how the space should be shared.

Do pedestrians have priority on a shared footpath?

This depends on the local traffic rules and type of shared facility. Cyclists and other permitted users should always avoid endangering pedestrians.

Can a footpath cross a roadway?

Yes. Where a path crosses a roadway, pedestrians must follow the applicable crossing, priority and traffic-light rules.

Can a footpath be part of the public road?

Yes. Pedestrian paths can form part of the wider public-road network even though ordinary motor traffic may not use them.

Can a footpath have its own traffic sign?

Yes. Many countries use a specific pedestrian symbol to indicate a path reserved or compulsory for pedestrians.

What should cyclists do when a footpath is not open to cycling?

Use the appropriate cycle facility or roadway. Where local law permits it, a cyclist may also dismount and continue as a pedestrian.

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...