What is a shared-use path?

A shared use path is off-road infrastructure that is physically separated from motorized vehicle traffic and designed for use by people of all ages. They are designed for two-way non-vehicle travel options for a wide variety of settings, such as walking with a stroller, riding a bicycle, or jogging. Shared use paths are typically paved and ADA compliant to meet the versatile needs of users. 

In the context of this project, a shared-use path will:

  • Provide vertical separation from the roadway which provides a higher level of safety and comfort compared to an on-road facility. 
  • Provides a more comfortable and safer option than an on-road buffered bike lane, given the speeds and volumes of Route 30.
  • Attract more cyclists who would otherwise be too hesitant to ride on the road, such as recreational riders and families. 
  • Create a connection to a larger shared-use path network to serve the regional area.
  • Future connectivity to MassDOT’s bridge project (Route 30 over Charles River), which includes a shared-use path.
  • Future connectivity to Newton’s Carriageway conversion to a shared-use path from Lyons Field to MassDOT’s bridge project

Learn more about shared-use paths here.

The shared use path cross section will also reduce the curb-to-curb width of pavement along the corridor when compared to the cross section with buffered bike lanes (as shown in the following images). 

Shared Use Path Curb to Curb Width - 28 feet Route 30 design

Buffered bike lanes, the curb to curb width of payment - 36 feet Route 30 design

Show All Answers

1. What is a shared-use path?
2. Why does Route 30 in Weston need a shared-use path?
3. What is the proposed roadway cross-section?
4. Will bicyclists be required to yield or stop at each cross-street or driveway crossing?
5. What happens when the shared-use path ends?
6. How will the shared-use path users be separated from the road?
7. Can bicyclists still choose to ride on the road?
8. Will the shared-use path be ADA compliant?
9. When were traffic counts collected?
10. Where are there proposed traffic signals?
11. Where are there proposed traffic signals?
12. Is it possible for the new signals Winter Street and/or Oak Street) to be set to flashing yellow during off peak hours?
13. Where are there similar shared use path designs (i.e. along the side of a roadway) in Massachusetts?
14. Why has the design changed (from the 2018 Town Meeting)?
15. What are the impacts to trees?
16. What has been the public process to date?