Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Greenways and Shared-Use Paths

Lesson 19

Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-122

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Lesson Outline• Introduction to shared-use paths.• Users of shared- use paths.• Path types and planning issues.• Shared-use path design.

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

• Importance of shared-use paths as a component of the nonmotorized transportation system.

• AASHTO definition of a shared-use path.• Literature review.

Introduction to Shared-Use Paths

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Users of Shared-Use Paths• Bicyclists:

– Different equipment types.

• Pedestrians:– Runners.– Persons with

disabilities.– Others.

• Skaters and others.• User conflict.

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

• Rail-trails.• Rails-with-trails.• Greenway trails.• Paths adjacent to roads.• Towpaths (canal trails).• Paths along utility corridors.• Paths in large developments.

Path Types and Planning Issues

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

• Planning and project development process.• Unique planning issues for unique trail

types:– Converted rail and canal corridors.– Paths adjacent to railroads.– Greenway paths.– Paths adjacent to roads.

• Common community issues (examples):– Personal security/fear of crime.– Adjacent land uses and access.– Traffic safety.

• Paths serve both transportation and recreation.

Path Types and Planning Issues

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Shared-Use Path Design

• ADA accessibility.• Trail width and

striping.• Traffic safety at

trail/roadway intersections.

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Trail Design Issues

• Path surface and treadway design.

• Geometric design.• Access and restrictions.• Safety adjacent to

roads.• Environmental impacts.• Aesthetics.• Amenities.• Signs.• Structures.

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Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Lesson Summary• Shared-use paths provide car-free

arterials in the pedestrian and bicycle network.

• Path users are diverse.• Different path types present different

planning challenges.• Trail design must serve both

transportation and recreation needs.