FootpathChina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


6. Footpath

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.

A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.

Footpath
A path for pedestrians. (Shanghai, China)
Wikimedia.org • Gerd Eichmann • CC BY-SA
What is a footpath?

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrians.

Is a footpath the same as a pavement?

Not necessarily. A pavement or sidewalk normally runs alongside a roadway, while a footpath may follow an independent route or pass through an area without an adjacent roadway.

Who may use a footpath?

Pedestrians are the primary users. Depending on the signs and local regulations, cyclists or other categories may also be permitted on shared paths.

Can cyclists use a pedestrian-only footpath?

Normally no when the path is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Cyclists may have to dismount unless local rules or signs allow cycling.

Can someone walking a bicycle use a footpath?

In many countries, a person walking a bicycle by hand is treated as a pedestrian and may therefore use pedestrian facilities, subject to local rules.

Can motor vehicles use a footpath?

Normally no when the route is reserved for pedestrians. Limited access may sometimes be authorised for maintenance, emergency or other specific purposes.

Can a footpath be shared with cyclists?

Yes. A route may be designated as a shared pedestrian-and-cycle path. Users must follow any signs indicating how the space should be shared.

Do pedestrians have priority on a shared footpath?

This depends on the local traffic rules and type of shared facility. Cyclists and other permitted users should always avoid endangering pedestrians.

Can a footpath cross a roadway?

Yes. Where a path crosses a roadway, pedestrians must follow the applicable crossing, priority and traffic-light rules.

Can a footpath be part of the public road?

Yes. Pedestrian paths can form part of the wider public-road network even though ordinary motor traffic may not use them.

Can a footpath have its own traffic sign?

Yes. Many countries use a specific pedestrian symbol to indicate a path reserved or compulsory for pedestrians.

What should cyclists do when a footpath is not open to cycling?

Use the appropriate cycle facility or roadway. Where local law permits it, a cyclist may also dismount and continue as a pedestrian.

1 China 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Bike path 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Rockfall 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Priority at the next junction 32 Traffic lights 33 Traffic lights warning 34 Pedestrian lights 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Traffic mirror 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 No stopping 41 Disabled parking 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Provisional licence 46 Emergency exit 47 Runaway truck ramp 48 Horn 49 Axle weight limit 50 Charging station 51 Pedestrian 52 Motorcycle 53 Car 54 Truck 55 Bus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 Taxi 59 Police signals 60 Pothole 61 Path 62 Particulates 63 Air pollution 64 Rush hour 65 Road code 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 Bicycle 78 Motorcycle equipment 79 Rail track 80 Caravan 81 Trailer 82 Tow hitch 83 Fire truck 84 Siren 85 Convoy 86 Emergency vehicle lighting 87 Agricultural machinery 88 Electric bicycle 89 Electric vehicle 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Microcar 93 All-terrain vehicle 94 Van 95 Recreational vehicle 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Personal mobility device 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...