Shared-use pathSwitzerland

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Traffic rules

Switzerland

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. Mopeds prohibited. (Val-de-Ruz, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • 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

Tunnel

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...