Shared Use Paths Along or Near Freeways and Bicycles on Freeways
Revised May 23, 2008
Background
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) receives occasional inquiries related to shared use paths and bicycles on, along, or near Interstate highways or other freeways.
- May shared use paths be located along or near Interstate highways or other freeways?
- May a State allow bicycles on Interstate highways or other freeways?
- What resources are available on accommodating paths or bicycles on or near freeways?
Shared Use Paths Along or Near Freeways
There are no Federal laws or regulations that prohibit shared use paths along or near Interstate highways or other freeways. There are several examples of shared use paths along or within Interstate or other freeway rights-of-way. Nearly all have obvious barriers (walls or fences) or grade separation between the freeway and the shared use path.
Examples
I-5, Portland, Oregon. There are several locations where there are shared use paths within or adjacent to Interstate rights-of-way in Portland OR, such as the Eastbank Esplanade along the Willamette River, and adjacent to I-5. I-205 in northeast Portland has a separated path for several miles. There are portions of shared use paths along or near other Interstates in Portland. Numerous website links are available through web search engines.
I-66, Arlington Virginia. A shared use path was built adjacent to I-66 as part of the environmental mitigation. There is always a barrier (usually a sound wall, sometimes a fence) between the Interstate lanes and the path. Crossings over or under the Interstate are grade separated. Where the path is adjacent to the Interstate, it usually (but not always) crosses streets with a grade separation. The portion of I-66 adjacent to the Washington & Old Dominion rail-trail has the Metrorail in the median (a rail-with-highway-with-trail), and provides access to the East Falls Church Metro Station. The Martha Custis Trail provides access into Washington DC.
I-70, Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. This is a Best Practice for incorporating various uses along an Interstate highway right-of-way through a canyon. See the March/April 2004 edition of FHWA's Public Roads Magazine.
I-90, Seattle, Washington: There is a shared use path using the I-90 bridge across Lake Washington on the east side of Seattle. See the City of Seattle Bike Maps website.
Transportation Enhancement Program Managers discussed the topic of shared use paths along or near freeways in December 2004. Their responses are on the American Trails Resources website.
There are pictures of shared use paths next to various kinds of highways at www.pedbikeimages.org (the FHWA-supported Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center). On the Welcome page, click on Design and Engineering. Near the top you will see Bike Trails & Shared Use Paths and Adjacent to Road. You will see many examples, including some examples along Interstate highways.
Bicycles on Freeways
There are no Federal laws or regulations that prohibit bicycle use on Interstate highways or other freeways. Most western States allow bicycles to use Interstate highways or other freeways. Many of these States restrict bicycle use in urban or other congested areas.
In some locations, the Interstate highway or other freeway may be the only reasonable route, or may be preferred compared to other steep, narrow, or winding routes. A State should consider safety and traffic concerns along the freeway and along alternative routes when considering whether or not to allow bicyclists to use freeways.
The Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recognizes that bicycles may use freeways (see page 60). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.
A State may prohibit shared use paths or bicycles on or along freeways rights-of-way. But it is not a Federal requirement.
Section 166 of title 23 allows motorcycles and bicycles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities, unless either or both create a safety hazard. If so, the State must certify, the Secretary must accept certification, and it must be published in the Federal Register with opportunity for public comment.
Resources
Website Resources
- FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
- Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.
- Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
- Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
- National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
- Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned: Literature Review, Current Practices, Conclusions
- Shared Use Path Surfaces
- Trails for the Twenty-First Century, from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
- Trails in Limited Access Highway Corridors. Study by Alta Planning + Design the Dept. of Geography & Planning at SUNY Albany to document existing conditions and develop methodologies and best practices for the design, implementation, and management of Shared Use Paths in Limited Access Highway Corridors.
Funding Sources
Additional Information
If you need additional information, please contact:
Gabe Rousseau
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
Federal Highway Administration
Christopher Douwes
Trails and Enhancements Program Manager
Federal Highway Administration
