Shared-use pathPoland

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Poland

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 for pedestrians and cyclists. (Wolsztyn, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • MOs810 • CC BY-SA

What is a shared-use path?

A shared-use path is a path or part of a road intended to be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Is a shared-use path the same as a cycle path?

Not necessarily. A cycle path is primarily intended for cyclists, while a shared-use path is specifically intended to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists together.

Do pedestrians and cyclists have separate sides on a shared-use path?

Not always. On a genuinely shared path, both categories may use the same space. Other facilities may divide pedestrians and cyclists into separate sections using signs, markings or physical separation.

Should cyclists slow down near pedestrians?

Yes. Cyclists should adapt their speed when approaching or passing pedestrians and leave sufficient space to avoid creating danger or discomfort.

Can cyclists ring a bell before passing pedestrians?

Yes, where appropriate. An audible warning can help alert pedestrians before a cyclist passes, but it should be used considerately and does not give the cyclist priority.

Do cyclists automatically have priority over pedestrians?

No. The applicable priority and conduct rules depend on local law. On a shared facility, cyclists should expect pedestrians to move within the available space.

Can mopeds use a shared-use path?

This depends on the signs and local vehicle classifications. Some shared facilities are limited to pedestrians and bicycles, while others also permit specified moped categories.

Can speed pedelecs use a shared-use path?

This depends on local law. Because speed pedelecs can travel substantially faster than ordinary bicycles, some countries or facilities exclude them from pedestrian-and-cycle shared paths.

Can motor vehicles use a shared-use path?

Normally no. Motor vehicles may use such a path only where a specific exception or local rule permits access, for example for maintenance or emergency purposes.

Can a shared-use path cross a roadway?

Yes. At crossings, pedestrians and cyclists must follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs, road markings and crossing rules.

Can a shared-use path be two-way?

Yes. Many shared-use paths carry pedestrians and cyclists travelling in both directions. Users should therefore remain alert for approaching traffic from ahead as well as users travelling in the same direction.

What should cyclists do when a shared-use path is crowded?

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Crowded conditions may make normal cycling speed unsafe even when no specific lower speed limit is posted.

Bike path

Separated path

1 Poland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Separated path 12 Pedestrian warning 13 Tunnel 14 Speed bump 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 Turn prohibition 34 School area 35 Overtaking 36 Crossing animals 37 Curve 38 Chevron 39 Wrong-way driving 40 Roadworks 41 Height limit 42 Weight limit 43 Radar speed sign 44 Priority at the next junction 45 Traffic lights 46 Traffic lights warning 47 Pedestrian lights 48 Road markings 49 Junction layout 50 Driving licence 51 Traffic mirror 52 International border 53 Pedestrian underpass 54 Cycling route 55 Parking 56 No parking 57 No stopping 58 Park and ride 59 Kiss and ride 60 Disabled parking 61 Traffic management 62 Merging 63 Reversing 64 U-turn 65 Road surface 66 Provisional licence 67 Hazardous cargo 68 Radio service 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Licence plate 72 Charging station 73 Dangers 74 Rail safety 75 Pedestrian 76 Cyclist 77 Car 78 Truck 79 Bus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 European emission standard 84 Public road 85 Pothole 86 Private property 87 Path 88 Particulates 89 Air pollution 90 Rush hour 91 Road code 92 Two-way traffic 93 Street gutter 94 Cargo bike 95 Forestry vehicle 96 Construction vehicle 97 Semi-trailer truck 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Delivery vehicle ...