Cycles of all sorts

Off Road: Cycleways/Bike Paths

The terms Bike Path, Cycleway (UK & Ireland) or Class 1 bikeway (Caltrans) is generally used to denote a roadway dedicated to cycle traffic on its own separate right-of-way. This may include a separate pedestrian zone or path, or pedestrians and cyclists may be expected to share the same way. In the latter case, the term multi-user path, multi-use path (often abbreviated MUP), multi-user trail (MUT) or recreational path may be used instead.

Off Road: Cycle track/Sidepath

In the U.S., the term Sidepath commonly denotes a path or sidewalk that has been designated for use by cyclists and is within the right of way of a public road, but is not immediately adjacent to the portion of the way for vehicular traffic (i.e., the traveled way). This definition of sidepath excludes designated bicycle lanes, as they are immediately adjacent to the traveled way.

In the UK, the term Cycle track is a legal term for a roadway constructed specifically for use by cyclists, but not by any other vehicles. In Ireland the legal term Cycle track also covers Cycle lanes marked on the carriageway but only if accompanied by a specific sign. A cycle track may be alongside a roadway (or Carriageway) for all vehicles or it may be on its own alignment. The term does not include cycle lanes or other facilities within an all-vehicle carriageway. UK Department of Transport Legal Definition.

A footway that is for use by both cyclists and pedestrians may be labeled a shared use footway in the UK and will usually be to a lower standard than a cycle track. While cyclists may be required to yield right of way to foot traffic on a shared use footway which is unsegregated (i.e., where both types mix freely), cyclists are usually considered to be the primary users on cycle tracks. Note that the design standards and recommendations for shared use footways and cycle tracks in the UK are different from those for shared use paths in the U.S.

At one time in the UK, the term Cycleway was proposed to differentiate cycle facilities on their own alignments from those incorporated within existing highways. This distinction is not recognised in current UK law however it still remains in Irish law.

On Road: Bicycle facilities

• A Cycle lane (UK) is a traffic lane marked on an existing roadway or carriageway and generally restricted to cycle traffic. It can be mandatory (marked with a solid white line, entry by motor vehicles is generally prohibited) or advisory (marked with a broken white line, entry by motor vehicles is permitted).
• In the USA, a Designated bicycle lane (1998 MUTCD) or Class 2 bikeway (Caltrans) is a portion of a roadway or shoulder which is separated from traffic lanes by the use of a solid white stripe on the pavement and has been designated for preferential use by bicyclists.
• A Bicycle Boulevard is another on-road bicycle facility gaining momentum in the United States with use in Berkeley, Palo Alto, Napa, and many other cities in California.

Explanatory note: Terminology

For the purpose of accurate discussion this article observes the following conventions.

• Cycleway: Road (UK) or path (USA) dedicated to cyclists on separate right of way.
• Cycle track/Cycle path or Sidepath: Roadside converted-footway type structure alongside (but not on) a carriageway (UK) or sidepath alongside (but not on) a highway (USA).
• Cycle lane: A lane marked on existing carriageway (UK), or a marked and signed portion of a roadway or shoulder (USA), that is designated for cyclist use.