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:
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. |
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))
CloseOverall guidance
Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths(external link) provides guidance on the design of shared paths. Road controlling authorities may also have their own guidance in relation to design requirements in their local area.
Width
A key design aspect is the width of the path. Existing guidance often relates the required width of the shared path to the intended type of usage of the path, eg local connection vs. commuter path. As for any traffic infrastructure, user volumes should be considered in the determination of path width. Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A – Paths for Walking and Cycling(external link) provides guidance on the capacity of shared paths, including when it is preferable to use dual exclusive paths instead.
Historic and cultural heritage
The Considering historic heritage in walking and cycling projects information sheet provides guidance on heritage considerations in walking and cycling projects.
CloseDirectional separation
Centre lines or urban design elements like tactile surfaces should only be used for directional separation when shared paths are at least 3.0 m wide, but their use gives better results than relying on behavioural messages through signs or other markings. Directional separation works better than segregation of modes that is based on non-physical methods. Where user volumes require segregation of modes, physical separation should be considered.
Signs and markings
Road controlling authorities are required to use signs and/or markings to designate a shared path for use by pedestrians and cyclists. For guidance on which signs and markings to use, and where, refer to:
Signs and markings to designate paths for pedestrians and cyclists guidance note.
The signage details are outlined in the NZTA Sign Specifications:
| Code | Rule | MoTSaM | Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| RLU4 | R4-11.1 | RG-26D |  Lane use Shared Pedestrian and Cycle Path defined position |
| RLU3 | R4-11 | RG-26C |
|
The cycle symbol can be as per the cycle lane symbol (see MOTSAM, Part 2, 2.11.4) with a scale factor of X = 20 mm; this results in a cycle logo 360 mm wide and 560 mm high.
The pedestrian symbol can be as per TCD Rule, Schedule 2 Markings - M2-4.
Path behaviour markings
In some situations, a specific marking (or sign) may help remind people of a particular behaviour required to make the path safe and enjoyable for all people using it. The Path behaviour markings: design guidance note provides guidance on when and where path behaviour markings can be used.
Path behaviour markings: design guidance note [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Barriers and fences
Barriers (to prevent falls) and fences may be necessary safety features on cycle routes, however they can be a hazard in their own right, or impact negatively on landscape values.
The Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note provides guidance on barrier requirements for bridges and structures, fencing and edge treatments for paths, snag risk mitigation, and other design considerations.
Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Access control devices
When using access control devices such as bollards or other end of path treatments on shared paths, for example to restrict access by other vehicles, the placement of the device is very important in terms of path user safety. The devices need to be conspicuous and may require supporting pavement marking.
Waka Kotahi guidance can be found in the Access control devices on paths: design guidance note [PDF, 1.9 MB] and in the following drawings:
Further guidance can be found in the Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 6A: Paths for Walking and Cycling(external link)
Pavement design
Pavement specifications [PDF, 132 KB] for primary cycling routes including cycle-lanes and cycle-paths, shared paths and cycleways, as well as pavement shoulders where cycling demand is high and where a high level of service is desired, have been developed. For a secondary or minor route in a cycling network, a lower level specification may be appropriate.
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