FootpathDenmark

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5. 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.

Footpath
A path for pedestrians with direction. (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Wikimedia.org • Leif Jørgensen • 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 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...