The same design guidelines apply for shared-use paths whether they are located within the road rightof-way (sidepath) or have their own right-of-way with some exceptions which are described below. A minimum of two feet (three to five feet preferred) of graded area should be provided on both sides of the path with a maximum cross-slope of one vertical foot for every six feet of horizontal distance. A minimum of five feet should be provided adjacent to a body of water or steep slope. 3. Railings Railings should be used to provide separation from steep slopes, bodies of water, or in some cases vehicle traffic. Railings on shared-use paths (see image) should be at least 42 inches high to prevent bicycle riders from flipping over the top of the rail. Protrusions at handlebar height should be avoided. A rub rail should also be used at handlebar height. 4. Clearance Shared-use paths should maintain three feet of horizontal clearance (three is recommended) and 10 feet of vertical clearance from all projections, including poles, trees, fences, hydrants, or other obstructions. A minimum of five feet of separation Railing along a shared-use path is preferred between the shared-use path and the edge of the paved roadway surface (including bike lanes), and a railing should be used when conditions do not allow for this minimum separation. Figure B-1 shows a shared-use path in a dedicated right-of-way, and Figure B-2 shows a shared-use path (or sidepath) adjacent to a roadway. When developing a sidepath, as shown in Figure B-2, on-road bicycle facilities (a bike lane or paved shoulder) may still be required. A wider separation is recommended adjacent to high speed roads (and possibly a railing or other physical barrier). Shared-use path development should ensure that adequate stopping distances are provided and appropriate curve radii are maintained, consistent with AASHTO guidelines.
Figure B-1: Shared-Use Path
Figure B-2: Shared-Use Path Adjacent to Roadway (Sidepath)
Shared-Use Trail
-8.3% slope for max of 200ft -10% slope for max of 30ft -12.5% slope for max of 10ft -Suggested height 15’ -Suggested width 12’ -Cross slope max 2%
3’ Clearing
10’ Height
10’ Min. Height
Shared-Use Path Adjacent to Roadway (Sidepath)
10’ Paved Surface
2’ to Curb or Grade Change
Varies
5’ Width
10’ Width Shared Use Path
5. Grade The maximum grade on a shared-use path should be 5% in order to comply with Texas accessibility standards (ADA), unless physical constrains require a steeper grade. Additionally, the grade of a sidepath may exceed 5% if the adjacent road exceeds that grade. According to the U.S. Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FORSAG),2 an accessible trail allows for a maximum of 8.33% slope for up to 50 feet or a 10% slope for up to 30 feet. The change in grade should 2
Forest Service. Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines. USDA Forest Service, Missoula, MT, 2013.
B-2
PROJECT DISCOVERY 2026: CREATING A GRAND PARK SYSTEM