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Shared-use pathPoland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Poland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Poland

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
Shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. (Wolsztyn, Poland)
Wikimedia.org • MOs810 • CC BY-SA
What does Poland call a combined walking and cycling route?

The official term is droga dla pieszych i rowerów. Check the sign and markings: pedestrians and cyclists may share one surface or have separately allocated parts. The combined designation differs from a bicycle-only facility.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 2, 11, 26–27, 33; Signs 37, 40

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign C-13+C-16 • Cycle route and pedestrian route. The symbols of C-13 and C-16 on one sign, separated by a vertical line, indicate adjoining cycle and pedestrian routes on the respective sides shown. Cyclists must use the route if it serves the direction in which they are travelling or intend to turn.

Polski • C-13+C-16 • droga dla rowerów i droga dla pieszych. Umieszczone na jednej tarczy symbole znaków C-13 i C-16 oddzielone kreską pionową oznaczają drogę dla rowerów i drogę dla pieszych położone obok siebie, odpowiednio po stronach wskazanych na znaku. Kierujący rowerami są obowiązani do korzystania z tak oznakowanej drogi, jeżeli jest ona wyznaczona dla kierunku, w którym oni poruszają się lub zamierzają skręcić.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Eli.gov.pl • § 40 ust. 2

SVG source: Pz • Public domain • Original revision 2012-04-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Who has priority on an undivided Polish walking and cycling route?

Cyclists must exercise particular care and give way to pedestrians. A shared designation does not give faster users equal or greater priority over walkers. Slow down and leave enough space for safe passage.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 2, 11, 26–27, 33; Signs 37, 40

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

Must cyclists use a designated Polish combined walking and cycling route?

Yes, where it is designated for the direction they are travelling or intend to turn. The obligation does not remove pedestrian priority on the shared surface. A facility serving another direction is not automatically the required route for that journey.

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, Road Traffic Law — articles 2, 11, 26–27, 33; Signs 37, 40

🔗 eli.gov.pl • Poland, traffic signs and signals — 2019/2310 consolidation, read with subsequent amendments

1 Poland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Separated path 12 Pedestrian warning 13 Tunnel 14 Speed bump 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 Turn prohibition 34 School area 35 Overtaking 36 Crossing animals 37 Curve 38 Chevron 39 Wrong-way driving 40 Roadworks 41 Height limit 42 Weight limit 43 Radar speed sign 44 Priority at the next junction 45 Traffic lights 46 Traffic lights warning 47 Pedestrian lights 48 Road markings 49 Junction layout 50 Driving licence 51 Traffic mirror 52 International border 53 Pedestrian underpass 54 Cycling route 55 Parking 56 No parking 57 No stopping 58 Park and ride 59 Kiss and ride 60 Disabled parking 61 Traffic management 62 Merging 63 Reversing 64 U-turn 65 Road surface 66 Provisional licence 67 Hazardous cargo 68 Radio service 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Licence plate 72 Charging station 73 Dangers 74 Rail safety 75 Pedestrian 76 Cyclist 77 Car 78 Truck 79 Bus 80 Police 81 Ambulance 82 Taxi 83 European emission standard 84 Public road 85 Pothole 86 Private property 87 Path 88 Particulates 89 Air pollution 90 Rush hour 91 Road code 92 Two-way traffic 93 Street gutter 94 Cargo bike 95 Forestry vehicle 96 Construction vehicle 97 Semi-trailer truck 98 Trolleybus 99 Speed pedelec 100 Delivery vehicle ...