Shared route for cycles and pedestrians sign: what it means
This blue sign means the path is shared by pedal cycles and pedestrians, with no line to separate them. Both may use any part of it, so everyone has to take care.
What does the shared route sign mean?
Know your traffic signs calls it a shared route for pedal cycles and pedestrians only. The Highway Code says cyclists should respect pedestrians’ safety on these routes, and pedestrians should take care not to obstruct or endanger cyclists (rule 13).
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Cyclists and pedestrians share one path.
- Cyclists on one side, pedestrians on the other.
- A route only for pedal cycles.
Show answer
A. Cyclists and pedestrians share one path. A shared route for pedal cycles and pedestrians only, with no dividing line (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 13, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 62, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 63, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule H2, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On paths beside main roads, in parks, along rivers and canals, and on routes away from traffic.
What should you do?
Cyclists: slow down near pedestrians, give them plenty of room, and let them know you are there, for example with a bell (rule 63). Pedestrians: stay aware and avoid unnecessary distractions. Drivers: do not drive or park on it.
What do people get wrong?
Cyclists treating it as their own fast lane. Pedestrians may be deaf, blind or partially sighted, and this may not be obvious (rule 63).
Common questions
What is the difference between a shared route and a separated route?
On a shared route there is no dividing line. On a separated route a line or kerb divides the cycle side from the pedestrian side, and each keeps to its own side.
Who has priority on a shared path?
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks (The Highway Code, rule H2) and leave them plenty of room. Pedestrians should take care not to obstruct or endanger cyclists (rule 13).
Compare with
Separated cycle and pedestrian route signCyclists on one side, pedestrians on the other.
Route for cycles only signA route only for pedal cycles.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (bus and cycle signs and road markings) and The Highway Code rules 13, 62, 63 and H2.
- Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 13, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 62, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 63, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule H2, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.