Sharing paths and roads

Riding on the footpath

Children under 13 years are allowed to ride on the footpath. Older children and adults who accompany them can also legally ride on the footpath.

Shared paths

We have multi-user paths for people of all ages and paces including pedestrians, wheelchair users, joggers, children on scooters or roller-skates, families with prams and dog walkers.

Everyone needs to be thoughtful and mindful on a shared path to ensure they are safe for all.

When riding:

• Give way to all walkers and ride on the left unless it is impracticable to do so
• Ride at a relaxed speed
• Give way to all walkers.
• Pass other riders and walkers on the right and provide plenty of warning.
• Ring your bell about 30 metres before passing. You can also use your voice to provide a friendly warning – for example, “passing on your right”.
• Slow down when passing so that you can stop quickly, if necessary. Take particular care when passing in case your warning bell or call was not heard.
• Keep an eye out for children and dogs as their movements can be unpredictable.
• Encourage children on bikes to keep to the left and to join you in warning other path-users of your approach.

When walking:

• Keep to the left of the path
• Walk in a predictable manner and look out for bikes before changing direction.
• Keep your dog on a lead when walking along shared trails.
• Help children to keep to the left, explaining that bike riders can come from both directions.
• Listen for bike bells and move to the left to allow bike riders to pass.