Separated pathWorldwide

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Worldwide

13. Separated path

A separated path is a path or part of a road where different categories of road users, typically pedestrians and cyclists, are assigned separate sections of the same overall route. The sections may be distinguished by road markings, different paving materials, a kerb or another physical separation.

Users should remain within the part of the path intended for them and take particular care where the sections cross, merge or connect with roads. The permitted users, priority rules and any speed restrictions depend on the local traffic signs and regulations.

Separated footpath and cycleway along platform 1 of Cieszyn railway station. (Cieszyn, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • Kamil Czaiński • CC BY-SA

What is a separated path?

A separated path is a route where pedestrians, cyclists or other permitted users have clearly designated sections rather than sharing the same space.

How are the different parts of a separated path identified?

The sections may be separated by a painted line, different paving materials, a kerb, verge or another physical division. Traffic signs may also show which side each category should use.

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

No. On a shared-use path, pedestrians and cyclists normally use the same space. On a separated path, each category has its own designated section.

Which side should pedestrians use?

Pedestrians should use the section indicated for pedestrians by the signs, symbols, markings or layout of the path.

Which side should cyclists use?

Cyclists should use the section designated for bicycles and should avoid unnecessarily entering the pedestrian section.

Can pedestrians walk in the cycling section?

Normally they should remain in the pedestrian section where one is specifically provided. Local rules may nevertheless allow exceptions where their designated section is obstructed or unusable.

Can cyclists use the pedestrian section?

Normally no. Cyclists should remain in the cycling section unless local rules specifically permit otherwise or they dismount and become pedestrians.

Can mopeds use a separated path?

This depends on the traffic signs and local vehicle classifications. Some separated facilities also permit specified moped categories on the cycling section.

Can a separated path be two-way?

Yes. The cycling section may carry traffic in one or both directions depending on the signs and local road arrangement.

What happens where the pedestrian and cycling sections cross?

Users should approach carefully and follow any priority signs, markings or crossing rules. Neither category should assume priority simply because they are using a separated path.

Can a separated path cross a roadway?

Yes. At the crossing, users must follow the applicable traffic lights, priority rules and road markings.

Why are pedestrians and cyclists separated?

Separation can reduce conflicts between users travelling at different speeds and provide a clearer and more predictable route for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Shared-use path

Pedestrian warning

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...