FootpathJapan

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


7. 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. (Tokyo, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • Colin McMillen • CC BY
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 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...