Width and clearance Ten feet or 3 meters is the recommended
minimum width for a two-way, shared use path on a separate right
of way. Other critical measurements include: - 8 feet (2.4m) may
be used where bicycle traffic is expected to be low at all
times, pedestrian use is only occasional, sightlines are good,
passing opportunities are provided, and maintenance vehicles
will not destroy the edge of the trail. - 12 feet is recommended
where substantial use by bicycles, joggers, skaters, and
pedestrians is expected, and where grades are steep (see later).
- 2 feet of graded area should be maintained adjacent to both
sides of the path. - 3 feet of clear distance should be
maintained between the edge of the trail and trees, poles,
walls, fences, guardrails or other lateral obstructions. - 8
feet of vertical clearance to obstructions should be maintained;
rising to 10 feet in tunnels and where maintenance and emergency
vehicles must operate. Design speed, horizontal and vertical
alignment The design of a shared us