19.3.3 Shared Use Paths
A shared use path is defined as a multi-use path designed for use by bicyclists and pedestrians, including pedestrians with disabilities. Shared use paths are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier and are either within the highway ROW (commonly referred to as sidepaths) or within an independent ROW.
Shared use paths are used by pedestrians and must meet the accessibility requirements of the ADA and be designed to conform to the
. Where pedestrian and bicycle travel are accommodated on separate pathways, only the pedestrian pathway must meet the requirements of the above guidelines. See
,
for more information on shared use paths.
19.3.3.1 Cross Slope
See
for information regarding the accessibility requirements related to cross slope.
19.3.3.2 Grade
See
for information regarding the accessibility requirements related to grade. Shared use paths (on an independent alignment from the roadway) may only exceed 5 percent maximum grade at overpasses and underpasses, where the grade may be designed with a series of ramps and landings. See
.
If the path is at or approaching 5 percent for a significant length (1000-ft or more), this sustained grade would be quite noticeable for a bicyclists or wheelchair user and maximum grade of 3 to 4 percent should be considered. At locations with sustained lengths of grades of 5 percent or more, level landings within the shared use path can be provided to provide periodic resting spaces for pedestrians. These should be designed to:
- Permit users to stop and periodically rest within a level area (graded to 2% or less in all directions);
- Be as wide as the shared use path, with a landing length of at least 6 feet;
- Provide smooth grade breaks using vertical curve design criteria for shared use paths; and
- At locations where stopped users within the path are likely to create conflicts with other users of the path, level-graded pull-outs should be considered.
Spacing of level landings should consider the sustained length of the grade and the steepness of the grade. Engineering judgement will be required to determine landing spacing, but consideration should be given to travel time between landings with landings located at evenly spaced intervals.
Alternately or in addition to a lower sustained grade, level-graded pull-outs (or rest areas) could be provided at strategic locations for users to get out of the travel path to pause or rest, or resting intervals of flatter grades may be provided. Where level pull outs are provided, they should be designed to:
- Permit users to stop and periodically rest within a level area (graded to 2% or less in all directions) outside the path of travel;
- Avoid abrupt grade breaks with smooth vertical curves at transition meeting shared use path vertical curve design guidance;
- Be a minimum of 6 feet by 6 feet in dimension; and
- Consideration should be given to providing seating within this space that meet ADA requirements.
Designers may also consider the provision of accessible pedestrian handrails located at the edge of the path to assist pedestrians in traversing steeper grades. See
for guidance regarding protective rails adjacent to steep slopes.
Provision of a handrail may impact shared use path width. See
for information regarding the impact of handrails on path width.
19.3.3.3 Additional Requirements
More information on shared use paths can also be found in
.