Designated Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths

Designated Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths

Mandatory Signs Sign code: D7

The sign indicates paths that are divided by road markings, a separation strip, or similar, into a section for pedestrians and a section for cyclists. The placement of the symbols on the sign indicates which part of the path is intended for pedestrians and which part is intended for cyclists.

When You See This Sign

When you see D7, as a driver you should expect pedestrian and cycle traffic to be separated and that pedestrians and cyclists keep to their respective sides. Do not drive on the path, and be prepared to give way when you cross or turn across it.

Rules & Regulations

  • The sign indicates that the path is divided into a section for pedestrians and a section for cyclists; the placement of the different symbols shows which side is intended for whom.
  • Pedestrians must use the pedestrian section indicated by the sign and cyclists must use the cycle section; when such an arrangement exists, use of the respective section is mandatory.
  • Motor vehicles are not allowed to travel on the pedestrian-and-cycle path, except in connection with entrance/exit to a property, work, or other permission that explicitly allows it.
  • Parking and stopping are prohibited on the pedestrian or cycle section itself because it obstructs and is dangerous for those using the path.

Tips for Drivers

  • Look at the placement of the symbols on the sign to quickly determine which side is the cycle section and which is the pedestrian section.
  • When you cross such a path while turning (e.g., right or left), reduce speed and give way to pedestrians and cyclists on their respective sections.
  • If you are driving close to the curb or a parking bay, check that you are not blocking or forcing cyclists onto the pedestrian section; make eye contact with users on the path.
  • Be extra attentive at driveways and intersections where the cycle and pedestrian path crosses the carriageway — cyclists may arrive faster than you expect.

Common Mistakes

  • !Believing the sign is merely advisory and that cyclists or pedestrians can choose sides freely — the sign is mandatory.
  • !Driving onto or stopping your car on the path to unload quickly — this is prohibited and dangerous.
  • !Ignoring the placement of the symbols and cycling on the pedestrian side (or vice versa), which causes disruption and increases the risk of accidents.

Test Yourself

Road Sign: Designated Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths

Designated Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths

What applies at this sign?

  • A The path is divided into a part for pedestrians and a part for cyclists; the placement of the symbols shows which side applies.
  • B The sign indicates a regular shared pedestrian and bicycle path without division.
  • C The sign prohibits bicycles on both sides of the path.
  • D The sign shows where you should park your bicycle.

Exam Tip

A common exam trick is to ask who must use the path or who has priority when a car turns across it — remember that the path is mandatory for its users and that vehicles crossing it must give way.

Did You Know?

D7 signs are often used in built-up areas, at schools and parks where there is a desire to separate pedestrians and cyclists for improved safety and clearer traffic flows; the placement of the symbols determines which side is the cycle and which is the pedestrian section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cars allowed to drive short distances on the marked pedestrian and cycle path?

No. Motor vehicles are not permitted to travel on the pedestrian and cycle path, except in specific exceptions such as entering or exiting a property or an authorized work site. Even then you must exercise great caution and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

Can I park next to a D7 path if I am not standing directly on the marking?

You may not park on the path itself or so close that it becomes blocked. In practice this means you must not park in a way that obstructs or makes the pedestrian or cycle section dangerous for users.

Does the sign also apply to e-scooters and other small electric vehicles?

In many cases lightweight e-scooters are expected to use cycle lanes, but rules can vary depending on vehicle type and local regulations. As a driver of another vehicle, however, you should always respect that the path is intended for pedestrians and cyclists and show consideration.

What does it mean if the symbols are reversed compared to other locations?

The placement of the symbols indicates which side is the pedestrian and which is the cycle section; if the cycle symbol is on the left side, that is the cycle lane. The sign's layout can therefore differ between locations and it's important to quickly interpret which side applies.

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