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Shared-use pathSweden

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Sweden. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Sweden

7. 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
Shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists in both directions. (Brastad, Sweden)
Wikimedia.org • W.carter • CC BY-SA
What does Sweden call a combined walking and cycling path?

The term is gång- och cykelbana. Check whether the route is undivided or allocates separate walking and cycling parts. A combined route is different from a pedestrian-only gångbana.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Traffic Ordinance, Ch 3 §§6–7, Ch 7 §1; Signs Ordinance D6–D7

🔗 riksdagen.se • Signs Ordinance 2007:90: walking, cycling and restriction signs

Which side should I walk on a Swedish shared-use path?

Where possible, walk on the left-hand side of an undivided walking and cycling path. This helps you face approaching cyclists. On a divided facility, use the part assigned to pedestrians instead.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Traffic Ordinance, Ch 3 §§6–7, Ch 7 §1; Signs Ordinance D6–D7

🔗 riksdagen.se • Signs Ordinance 2007:90: walking, cycling and restriction signs

Which side should cyclists use on a Swedish shared-use path?

Cyclists normally keep to the right. Ride with care and adapt to other users, particularly walkers. The different walking and cycling positioning rules do not create permission to pass dangerously or occupy an allocated pedestrian section.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Traffic Ordinance, Ch 3 §§6–7, Ch 7 §1; Signs Ordinance D6–D7

🔗 riksdagen.se • Signs Ordinance 2007:90: walking, cycling and restriction signs

1 Sweden 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Built-up area 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Toll road 9 Quay 10 Slope 11 Bus stop 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Pedestrian crossing 16 Railway crossing 17 Crossing animals 18 Roadworks 19 Height limit 20 Selective barriers 21 Traffic lights 22 Pedestrian lights 23 Traffic mirror 24 Cycling route 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Licence plate 30 Charging station 31 Dangers 32 Bus 33 Police 34 Ambulance 35 European emission standard 36 Pothole 37 Path 38 Particulates 39 Air pollution 40 Rush hour 41 Road code 42 2+1 Road 43 2-1 Road 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Agricultural machinery 66 Electric bicycle 67 Electric vehicle 68 Pedelec 69 Quadricycle 70 Microcar 71 All-terrain vehicle 72 Van 73 Recreational vehicle 74 Scooter 75 Trikke 76 Personal mobility device 77 Skateboard 78 Segway 79 Kick scooter 80 Roller skates 81 Mailman 82 Hitchhiker 83 Toddler 84 Child 85 Disability 86 Motorail 87 km/h 88 mph 89 Speedometer 90 Ride height 91 Dirt road 92 Driving 93 Start-stop system 94 Manual transmission 95 Automatic transmission 96 Throttle 97 Tachometer 98 Steering wheel 99 Power steering 100 Visual scanning ...