FootpathIceland
Traffic rules
Iceland
1. 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.
How does Iceland distinguish a footpath from a pavement?
A göngustígur is a marked route primarily intended for pedestrians. A gangstétt is the pedestrian part beside a carriageway. A göngugata is a pedestrian street. These terms identify different facilities; check the relevant signs and access rules.
🔗 althingi.is • Act 77/2019, Arts 3, 15 and 43: walking routes and cycling exceptions
Mandatory path for pedestrians.
English • Traffic sign 412 • Footpath. Indicates a path mainly intended for pedestrians.
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 412 • Göngustígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé aðallega ætlaður umferð gangandi vegfarenda.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.
SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Can cyclists use Icelandic pavements and footpaths?
Yes, provided they cause pedestrians no danger or inconvenience and the municipality has not specifically prohibited cycling. Normally use a parallel cycle path. If using the pavement or footpath beside one, exercise the utmost care and ride no faster than normal walking pace.
🔗 althingi.is • Act 77/2019, Arts 3, 15 and 43: walking routes and cycling exceptions
Where should I walk when an Icelandic road has no pavement or footpath?
Use a pavement or footpath where available and usable. Otherwise, the Act allows the verge, cycle path or carriageway: normally keep to the left edge in your direction of travel, with no more than two people side by side. Someone pushing a bicycle or light moped normally keeps right, with a safety or special-circumstances exception.
🔗 althingi.is • Act 77/2019, Arts 3, 15 and 43: walking routes and cycling exceptions
