Shared-use pathJapan
9. 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.
When can ordinary bicycles share a Japanese pavement with pedestrians?
The national rules provide specified exceptions, including signs permitting ordinary bicycles, certain rider age or disability conditions, and circumstances making carriageway use dangerous. A pavement is not automatically a cycling route. The permission concerns ordinary bicycles as legally defined.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024
Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.
English • Traffic sign 325の3 • Ordinary bicycles and similar users, and pedestrians only. Indicates a road for bicycles and pedestrians, or a pavement usable by ordinary bicycles and related categories. Also concerns eligible specified small motorised bicycles; check the road type and supplementary signs. Give pedestrians priority on pavements.
日本語 • 325の3 • 普通自転車等及び歩行者等専用。 自転車と歩行者のための道路、または普通自転車等が通行できる歩道を示します。対象となる特定小型原動機付自転車の通行にも関係するため、道路の種類と補助標識を確認してください。歩道では歩行者を優先してください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
🔗 Npa.go.jp • 警察庁、交通規制基準、PDF 175ページ(歩道通行の用法)
🔗 Npa.go.jp • 警察庁、交通規制基準(令和8年3月16日改正)、PDF 67ページ
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2021-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How must cyclists ride when permitted on a Japanese pedestrian pavement?
Normally use the part nearest the carriageway and ride slowly enough to stop immediately. If you would obstruct pedestrians, you must stop. Pedestrians have priority; permitted cycling does not allow forcing them aside.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024
Does every Japanese bicycle symbol mean walkers and cyclists share the whole path?
No. A legally designated cycle track, a reserved carriageway cycle lane and a pavement allowing ordinary bicycles are different arrangements. Painted navigation marks alone do not create new statutory access rules. Identify the facility and follow its applicable controls.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024

Traffic rules
Japan