Shared-use path

In the UK, cyclists are legally permitted to cycle on bridleways (paths open to horse riders), but not on public footpaths. Therefore, bridleways are, in effect, a form of shared-use path.{{Cite web |title=Shared use routes - Ramblers |url=https://www.ramblers.org.uk/policy/england/rights-of-way/shared-use-routes.aspx |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=www.ramblers.org.uk |language=en}}

File:Shared use path alongside Aston Webb Boulevard (Selly Oak New Road- Phase 2) - geograph.org.uk - 2580483.jpg, England. Note the tactile pavings to delianate the pedestrian and cyclist sections of the path.]]

On segregated or divided paths, the path is split into a section for pedestrians and a section for cyclists. This may be achieved with a painted line or different surface. It may also be delineated with tactile paving for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

Research by the UK Department for Transport found that cyclists and pedestrians prefer wider non-segregated paths to more narrow segregated paths (e.g. a 3 m wide shared path, compared with a 3 m path split into 1.5 m sections).{{Cite web |title=New guidance on shared use routes {{!}} Cycling UK |url=https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/campaign-article/new-guidance-on-shared-use-routes |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=www.cyclinguk.org}}

The principal benefit of a shared-use path is saving space. This may be important in environmentally-sensitive areas or on narrow streets, where a full cycle track may not be feasible.{{Cite web |title=Sustrans Shared Use Paths |url=https://www.hedgehogcycling.co.uk/sustrans-shared-use-paths.html |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=www.hedgehogcycling.co.uk}}

Shared use paths are criticised for creating conflict between pedestrians and cyclists and creating complaints from pedestrians and speed. Therefore, the paths do not properly take into account the different needs of different road users.{{Cite web |title=A view from the cycle path |url=http://www.aviewfromthecyclepath.com/search/label/shared%20use%20paths |access-date=2022-10-12}} For example a study by the Institute for Chartered Engineers found that users of shared use paths were confused about the nature of the path and who has priority on them.

Pedestrians are sometimes unsure how to behave on shared-use paths. The question arises whether the path is to be treated as a road (therefore pedestrians should face oncoming traffic), or a path (and therefore pedestrians may walk wherever they choose).

Shared-use paths alongside the highway often look like sidewalks to motorists. Therefore, at side roads, in jurisdictions where pedestrians do not have priority at side roads, the priority situation at side roads on shared-use paths can be confusing and often cyclists are required to give way to turning motorists.

Image:Fomer Bradwell Halt, July 2009.JPG redway system runs along the disused track bed of the former Wolverton to Newport Pagnell Line, now a rail trail. ]]

Before the January 2022 revision, the Highway Code gave no advice to pedestrians on how to share space with cyclists;{{cite web |title=The Highway Code UPDATES |url=https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/changes-and-answers/category/changes-and-new-rules |date=29 January 2022 |publisher=Department for Transport, Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=25 January 2023}} there was also little guidance given to cyclists. (The 2023 edition covers both aspects.{{cite book |title=The Highway Code |url=https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/ |publisher=Department for Transport, Government of the United Kingdom |date=27 July 2022 |access-date=25 January 2023 |at=§13, §62, 63 }} The UK Department for Transport advises local authorities that cyclists and pedestrians should not be expected to share space on or alongside city streets. Sustrans gives advice for cyclists, walkers and runners using shared-use paths on the National Cycle Network.{{cite web | title=Advice on using shared-use paths | website=Sustrans | date=22 February 2019 | url=https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/2019/everyday-walking-and-cycling/advice-on-using-shared-use-paths/ | access-date=30 October 2023}}

The Milton Keynes redway system is an example of a city-wide network of shared-use paths. The network consists of over {{Convert|200|miles|km|round=10}} of shared-use paths that avoid the city's busy and fast grid roads (which run between neighbourhoods rather than through them).{{cite web |title=Redways |url=https://www.getsmartertravelmk.org/cycling/redways |accessdate=23 May 2018 |work=MK Council}}

In the US, the 1999 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities defines a shared-use path as being physically separated from motor vehicular traffic with an open space or barrier.{{Cite web |url=http://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/AASHTO-Guide-for-the-Development-of-Bicycle-Facilities-1999.pdf | title=A Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (Fourth Edition) |date=2012|publisher= National Association of City Transportation Officials| access-date= 25 March 2019}}

• {{annotated link|Bike lane}}
• Cycling infrastructure
• List of rail trails
• Rail trail
• Shared-use trail section in Trail page
• Sidewalk cycling, riding bicycles on sidewalks where pedestrians usually have priority

{{reflist}}

{{Cycling Infrastructure}}

Category:Cycling infrastructure

Category:Transport infrastructure