How to Walk Safely on Shared Paths with Bikes and Scooters

Start by checking the markings and signs

A shared path is a space for different people: pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and sometimes other road users. They travel at different speeds, have different fields of vision, and can stop at different rates. So rule number one is to follow local signs and markings: they may separate traffic or indicate which direction to go. Don’t assume that the rules on a familiar path automatically apply to another one.

On some routes, pedestrian and cycling areas are separated by a line; on others, everyone walks and rides on the same surface. If the zones are marked, stay in yours. If there are no markings, consistently keep to one side—usually the right where that matches local rules and the usual direction of travel. What matters most isn’t whether it’s the “right” or “left” side, but that you don’t weave around or make others guess where you’re going.

Keep a predictable line

Walk in a straight line as much as possible, don’t suddenly take up the whole path, and don’t change direction without looking over your shoulder. If you need to switch sides, go around a puddle, or turn, check what’s happening first, signal your intention with your movement, and only then change course. Don’t step onto the path from behind a tree, parked bike, bus stop, or group of people without checking who’s approaching.

Headphones and your phone can distract you just when someone is coming up behind you or appearing around a bend. On a busy stretch, put your phone away and make sure you can hear people around you. If you’re listening to audio, keep the volume low or leave one ear free. This doesn’t guarantee safety, but it can help you notice a signal or voice.

• Walk closer to your side, leaving room for oncoming traffic and people overtaking.
• Don’t spread out across a narrow section: if you’re walking in a group, stay closer together where space is tight.
• Slow down near bends, on slopes, by bus stops, and wherever visibility is poor; avoid sudden steps.
• If you need to stop, move to the edge or another safe spot instead of stopping in the middle of the flow.

When someone overtakes: give each other time to react

A cyclist or scooter rider may come up behind you almost silently. If you hear a bell or “on your left,” don’t automatically jump away: the person may be passing you on that very side. Keep your direction, briefly check where they are, and move only when you can see where it’s safe to go. If a child or dog is with you, keep them close first.

When passing someone coming toward you, don’t make a sudden move to the side: you could step directly into their path. Gradually make room when you can, and leave a predictable corridor. If the path is narrow and it’s hard to pass, it’s wiser to stop at the edge for a moment than to squeeze between other people.

On a shared path, the best warning is predictable movement: keep your line, stay aware of others, and change direction only after checking.

A bell is a signal that someone is approaching, not a command to jump out of the way. A study of three busy paths in Sydney recorded instances of close, fast overtaking, as well as overtaking without warning. However, traffic in Australia keeps to the left, so its “keep left” rule shouldn’t be mechanically applied in another city. The useful general takeaway is to follow local markings and avoid sudden maneuvers. Read more about the study of behavior on shared paths.

How to cross a bike lane

Crossing is when you step into the path of someone moving faster, who may not expect you to move in that direction. Don’t run diagonally across, and don’t rely on sound alone: you may not hear a quiet bike or scooter, especially in a noisy place. If bushes, parked vehicles, or a crowd block your view, first move to a spot where you can see the lane, then decide whether it’s safe to cross.

1. Stop at the edge of the bike lane without stepping into it.
2. Look both ways, including behind you if the direction of travel isn’t obvious.
3. Wait for a gap; don’t assume an approaching person has seen you or will be able to stop in time.
4. Where possible, cross the lane at a right angle without stopping in the middle.
5. If a child or dog is with you, bring them close and keep them there until you’ve finished crossing.

Walking with a child or dog

For a young child, other people’s speed and direction are often harder to understand than they are for an adult. Hold your child’s hand where traffic is dense, and on a narrow section walk beside them so they don’t suddenly end up on the bike-lane side. Don’t ask a child to “quickly run across” in front of someone approaching—stop and cross together when the way is clear.

A child on a scooter may suddenly swerve, while a tired toddler may stop in the middle of the path. So agree on a simple signal in advance, such as “stop at the edge.” If you need to adjust their clothes, give them water, or explain a rule, move to the side. On a busy route, choose a short stretch with good visibility or a quieter walking path. You’ll find ideas for a family outing in our article on where to go with kids in Tashkent.

• Keep your dog close on a short leash, especially near bends and when a bike or scooter is approaching.
• Don’t let the leash stretch across the full width of the path: someone could trip over it or ride into it.
• If your dog reacts to traffic, stop to the side and hold them until the flow has passed.
• Don’t suddenly let go of the leash or change direction across the path with your dog.

Choose your route based on the conditions

Even an attentive pedestrian can’t make up for poor visibility, crowds, or a path that’s too narrow. If a section is packed, separated lanes are busy, or people are constantly swerving around one another, slow down and let the flow pass in a safe place. For a relaxed walk, it can sometimes be better to choose a longer but quieter path; you may also find general tips on choosing a walking surface in our article about walking surfaces.

Studies of shared paths mostly observe cyclists and pedestrians in specific cities and conditions. Their findings don’t establish a universal speed, distance, or legal right of way for every route; apply them to electric scooters with caution. The US Federal Highway Administration notes separately that widening a path or separating zones can improve safety on busy mixed-use routes—this is a design issue, not an obligation for pedestrians to give up the entire width. Read the FHWA report on the safety and design of shared paths.

Frequently asked questions

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