SHARED USE PATH

Shared use paths are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and provide shared space for twoway bicycle and pedestrian traffic. They may be located parallel to roadways or in areas outside of the roadway network, such as in parks or along rivers.

Benefits

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Provides physical separation from motor vehicle traffic.

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Shared use paths are the preferred facility for the “Interested but Concerned” bicycle user group and are a component of a low-stress bicycle network. Because of this, shared use paths could encourage new users and more bicycling.

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Shared use paths provide routes for both transportation and recreation.

Challenges

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Limited right-of-way availability can complicate the implementation of shared use paths.

Topography and drainage can greatly impact design of shared use paths.

Shared use paths can present safety concerns when placed adjacent to a roadway with frequent driveway and/ or intersection crossings. Conflicts can occur because drivers aren’t expecting bicyclists and pedestrians to be moving in both directions on one side of the street. Also, this results in some bicyclists being on the wrong side of the street at intersections and integrating them with vehicles can be challenging.

Shared use paths can lose their function as bicycle commuter routes when pedestrian volumes increase. Similarly, user conflicts due to speed differentials can occur as user volume increases.

Considerations

Shared use paths should be designed to suit the characteristics of bicyclists. This includes establishing a design speed (typically 18-20 mph) and designing corner radii appropriately.

When adjacent to roadways, shared use paths are most appropriate where driveways and intersections are limited. In areas with high concentrations of driveways and intersections, on-street accommodations, such as cycle tracks and buffered bicycle lanes, are preferred.

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To accommodate high volumes of users and to reduce conflicts between different user types, a path wider than the minimum can be provided or modes can be separated by constructing parallel paths for bicyclists and pedestrians. Separation of bicyclists and pedestrians is generally recommended when user volumes are high and when pedestrians make up around 30% or more of path users.

. On a path shared by both transportation and recreational bicyclists, additional path width is desirable to allow users to pass.

. Signage reminding users to “Keep Right Except to Pass” should be provided on wider paths.

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The use of a centerline may be beneficial. A continuous stripe for paths with high user volumes and a localized stripe on curves with restricted sight distance should be considered.

. Consider adding amenities such as benches, rest areas, and scenic overlooks along paths that provide attractive recreational opportunities.

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Pedestrian-scale lighting on shared use paths can improve visibility and increase a feeling of personal security.

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When a shared use path is provided on one side of the street, a sidewalk should be provided on the other.

DESIGN GUIDELINES

Shared use paths should be designed, constructed, and maintained to meet the standards as published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) current edition and the design guidelines below.

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SURFACE: Asphalt preferred but concrete is acceptable in urban areas. Asphalt tends to communicate that both bicyclists and pedestrians are permitted, while concrete tends to communicate that only pedestrians are permitted. Where concrete is utilized, proper signage should communicate that the path is intended for shared use by both bicyclists and pedestrians.

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HORIZONTAL CLEARANCE: 3 feet .

CROSS SLOPE: 1% minimum, 2% maximum .

GRADE: 8% maximum .

85 COLUMBUS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN

SHARED USE PATH CROSS SECTION (WHEN ADJACENT TO A ROADWAY)