FHWA Supports:
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Photo: Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange (TrADE).
Mineral Wells to Weatherford Rail-Trail, Mineral Wells, TX.
Opening day and dedication of the Mineral Wells to Weatherford Rail. (Photo: Texas DOT).
Transportation Alternatives Program
Recreational Trails Program
Federal Highway Administration
Photo of Christopher Douwes, Community Planner, FHWA, presenting at FHWA Civil Rights Discipline Training, June 23, 2009, Albuquerque NM. Photo: Henry Droughter, Equal Opportunity Specialist, FHWA Pennsylvania Division
FHWA Working Definition
The term "shared use path" means a multi-use trail or other path, physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier, either within a highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way, and usable for transportation purposes.
Shared use paths may be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, equestrians, and other nonmotorized users.
Left photo: Peter Axelson, Beneficial Designs.
Contractor for FHWA's Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Best Practices Design Guide.
Right photo: Town Lake Trail, Austin TX.
Photo by Stuart Macdonald, American Trails.
Access Board Definition: Shared Use Path.
A multi-use path designed primarily for use by bicyclists and pedestrians, including pedestrians with disabilities, for transportation and recreation purposes. Shared use paths are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier, and are either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.
| Oregon integrates recreational trails and transportation facilities: Portland Esplanade |
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| Trails connect parks and recreation: MKT Trail, Columbia MO |
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Photos from Coalition for Recreational Trails,
Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards.
What do these curves do?
Photo: Ahsanhka Road (SR 7) in front of Orofino High School in Orofino, Idaho. Photo by Tony Powers, Dokken Engineering.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
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AASHTO Guides
AASHTO publishes two guides that address pedestrian and bicycle facilities:
Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, July 2004, (AASHTO Pedestrian Guide) provides guidelines for the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of pedestrian facilities, including signals and signing. The guide recommends methods for accommodating pedestrians, which vary among roadway and facility types, and addresses the effects of land use planning and site design on pedestrian mobility.
Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 2012, Fourth Edition (AASHTO Bike Guide) provides detailed planning and design guidelines on how to accommodate bicycle travel and operation in most riding environments. It covers the planning, design, operation, maintenance, and safety of on-road facilities, shared use paths, and parking facilities. Flexibility is provided through ranges in design values to encourage facilities that are sensitive to local context and incorporate the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
