Shared-use pathPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
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.
Does Portuguese law recognise routes designated for walkers and cyclists?
Yes. The framework recognises pistas mistas de velocípedes e peões, combined cycling and pedestrian paths. The users of a special path are determined by its signs. A bicycle-only path and an ordinary pavement have different access arrangements.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 17, 78, 99–100, 104; RST D7a–D7f and D13
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • PGDL Road Code, second page — pedestrian and crossing provisions, articles 99–104
Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.
English • Traffic sign D7e • Compulsory path for pedestrians and cycles. Both must use the path specifically provided for them. Sign D7e is used where the pedestrian and cycle parts are not separated; D7f is used where they are separated.
Português • D7e • Pista obrigatória para peões e velocípedes. Indicação de que os peões, bem como os velocípedes, são obrigados a utilizar uma pista que lhes é especialmente destinada, devendo, para sinalizar esta pista, ser utilizado o sinal D7e ou D7f, consoante e respetivamente não exista ou exista separação entre as duas partes da pista destinadas ao trânsito de peões e ao de velocípedes.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 27.º • D7e
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • D7e • página 16
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Republic of Portugal • Public domain • Source revision 2015-03-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does every Portuguese path designated for cyclists make cycling use compulsory?
The Road Code provides for preferential use of specially designated paths. This wording is not a blanket compulsory-use rule for every nearby facility. Follow the actual traffic signs and identify whether the path is shared or divided.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 17, 78, 99–100, 104; RST D7a–D7f and D13
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • PGDL Road Code, second page — pedestrian and crossing provisions, articles 99–104
Can I treat an ordinary Portuguese pavement as a shared cycle path?
No. The limited exception allowing children aged ten or younger to cycle on pavements without endangering or disturbing pedestrians does not open every pavement to adult cycling. A combined facility needs its own applicable designation and access arrangements.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 17, 78, 99–100, 104; RST D7a–D7f and D13
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • PGDL Road Code, second page — pedestrian and crossing provisions, articles 99–104
