Shared-use pathIreland
Traffic rules
Ireland
1. 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.
How do Irish signs distinguish shared and divided walking and cycling tracks?
The shared-track sign’s arrangement identifies whether the surface is undivided or segregated. Where a continuous white line and the sign allocate separate parts, walkers and cycle users must use their own part. Check the layout rather than relying on the route’s name.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.
English • RUS 058 • Shared pedestrian and cycle track. Pedestrians and people using pedal cycles, e-mopeds or electric scooters share this track. Take care around other users and follow the shared-track rules.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 058
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 058.
Are Irish shared tracks restricted to pedestrians and pedal bicycles?
No. The current Regulations also recognise specified e-mopeds and electric scooters. The permission concerns the legally defined vehicle classes; it is not general access for motorcycles or every powered two-wheeler.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
May a cyclist use an ordinary Irish footpath as a shared track?
No. An ordinary footway is a pedestrian facility, with a limited vehicle-access exception for adjacent premises. A designated shared track has different access rules. Its existence elsewhere does not make every footpath open for through cycling.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
