Tag:designation=shared_path
 designation = shared_path
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| Description |
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| A legal classification of a highway on which pedestrians and cyclists may share the path |
| Group: restrictions |
| Used on these elements |
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| Requires |
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| Status: in use |
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This tag has been used to map where a path has been legally classified as a "shared path" under Australian road rules.
This tag should be used in combination with the usual access=* tags, including foot=designated, bicycle=designated, segregated=no, and potentially motor_vehicle=destination depending on state law.
Shared paths are defined in section 242(2) of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 (Vic) and NSW Road Rules 2014 Reg 242 with almost identical texts.
A "shared path" begins at a shared path sign or shared path road marking (a pedestrian symbol above a bicycle symbol on the ground). They are also commonly marked with a painted blue line on the side of the path, however this treatment is not required.
A shared path ends at the nearest of the following:
- an end shared path sign (or road marking)
- a no bicycle sign (or road marking)
- a bicycle path sign (or road marking) - which would indicate a dedicated cycleway
- a road (except a road related area).
- the end of the path
These rules commonly result in paths being legal for a wide area up to the next road. Tumbalong Park in Sydney is a good example of this; the area is legal for bikes due to shared path signs at some entrances. Consider using bicycle=designated where clearly signed (or marked by a blue line), and bicycle=yes where legal as a result of this rule but otherwise not obvious. More context can be given in source:bicycle=* if required.
Whether continuous footpath crossings are considered a road crossing or footpath/road related area is unclear. In the meantime these should be considered a road and therefore terminate shared paths (unless of course there is a shared path sign on the other side). There is some mention in TfNSW technical direction TDT 2013 / 05 but this is unclear.
While these intricacies may seem complex and inconsequential, these rules have a large impact on the viability of bicycling in some areas and are critical for navigation apps to avoid long and incorrect detours when a legal route exists.
Current practice in Victoria
Most shared paths in Victoria are mapped as highway=cycleway, and rarely as highway=footway or highway=path.
See Melbourne Bike Lane Project For tagging details.
Other states
Need to investigate legal restrictions for shared paths.
Note that cycling on footpaths is legal and has an implicit restriction of bicycle=yes in all other states, so this is a matter of further detail rather than how access is permitted (see Australian Tagging Guidelines/Cycling and Foot Paths for further details).