Types:

• A Walking Path is 3 to 8' wide, and are constructed with a hard, stable, and even surface (otherwise these would be considered trails). Compared to Shared Use Paths, Walking Paths can be rated as Universal Access even with somewhat steeper sections. Most Walking Paths do not, however, meet the standard for Universal Access because of steep grades, and the lack of resting spaces. 

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• A Bicycle Path is physically separated from motor vehicles.  

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• A Shared Use Path is at least 10’ wide, and for use by cyclists and pedestrians.  Paths that are less than 10' wide are not considered appropriate for shared use with cyclists  (though a path may be narrowed to 8' for very short distances to accommodate an obstruction). Compared to Walking Paths, Shared Use Paths can only be rated as Universal Access if uphill/downhill grades do not exceed 5% and cross-grades do note exceed 1%. Most Shared Use Paths do not, however, meet the standard for Universal Access because of steep grades, and the lack of resting spaces. 

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Effort: The effort required for a path is expressed relative to its overall grade rating and flat equivalent length.  Learn more by clicking on the links.

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Stress: All paths are considered low stress for pedestrians and cyclists because of the consistency of their width and surface, and because they are separated from the roadway.  Wheelchair users may experience longer or steeper downhill grades as stressful, because of the challenge of controlling their speed.