Description

A shared path is a path that is intended to be used by both pedestrians, cyclists, mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices. (Traffic Control Devices Rule, Part 2: Definitions)

A shared path may become a ‘multi-use path’ if it includes additional users, for example horse riders.

There are three ways that the different users of a shared path can be accommodated:

  • No formal separation or segregation of modes – users ‘sort themselves out’. This may include suggested behavioural messages (eg ‘warn when approaching’)
  • Directional separation – generally by non-physical methods, eg a painted centreline, arrows, and behavioural messages (eg ‘keep left’)
  • Segregation of modes – by non-physical methods, eg a painted centreline and pedestrian / cycle symbols, which allow for occasional ‘digressions’ where people use the other path. Note that stricter separation would result in a cycle only path adjacent to a footpath).

Some examples of shared paths are shown in the photos below.

Check whether shared paths are a suitable facility for your target users and for the type of road or setting.
  • Legal considerations

    The following legislation applies to shared paths.

    ‘For a shared path used by cycles, a road controlling authority:

    (a) must install appropriate signs or markings that comply with Schedule 1 or Schedule 2, defining the class or classes of path user:

    (i) at the start of the shared path; and

    (ii) after each roadway or any other pathway with which it intersects; and

    (b) must install signs or markings advising users that the shared path ends, unless signs or markings are installed to advise who may use any path that continues beyond the end of the shared path; and

    (c) may install signs or markings at other intervals along the shared path.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Clause 11.4(1))

    ‘If pedestrians, cycles, wheeled recreational devices, or mobility devices are restricted to a specific side or part of a path, or where the path is separated for users travelling in different directions, a road controlling authority:

    (a) must install signs or markings indicating the nature of the restriction:

    (i) at the start of the restricted section of path; and

    (ii) after each roadway or any other pathway with which it intersects; and

    (b) must install signs or markings advising users that the restriction ends, unless signs or markings are installed to advise of any restriction or who may use any path that continues beyond the end of the restricted or separated section of path; and

    (c) may install signs or markings at other intervals along the restricted section of the path.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Clause 11.4(2))

    ‘A road controlling authority may install on the same pole a combination of signs that relate to cycles, to pedestrians, to riders of wheeled recreational devices or to riders of mobility devices.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Clause 11.4(3))

    ‘A road controlling authority may install facilities for the parking, standing or storage of cycles, wheeled recreational devices or mobility devices on a footpath, footway, cycle path or shared path.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Clause 11.4(4))

    ‘When a cycle path or a shared path used by cycles crosses a roadway, a road controlling authority may, as appropriate, control either the movement of users of the path or traffic along the roadway by means of stop or give way signs or by the installation of traffic signals.’ (Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Clause 11.4(5))

    Close Back to top