Throughout Massachusetts, communities are recognizing the many benefits of shared use paths. These public amenities provide options for active transportation and healthy recreation while contributing to economic development and sustainability goals. As a result, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made investing in shared use paths and completing existing shared use path networks a priority. The resources compiled in this guide will help you to understand the process of planning, designing, funding, and constructing shared use paths in your community, helping propel the project from first imagination to on-the-ground reality.
- This page, Shared Use Path Planning and Design Guide, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Shared Use Path Planning and Design Guide
Table of Contents
Planning Primer
Learn how to propel your path project from vision to reality, regardless of your technical background. Use the Planning Primer to understand the process of planning, designing, funding, and constructing shared use paths.
Cost Estimating Tool
Quickly estimate the cost of shared use path projects to help plan and assess the feasibility of potential paths. Use the Cost Estimating Tool and Guidance Document to make a “planning-level” cost estimate, help choose a path alignment, and begin to plan for funding the project.
Bike Wayfinding Design
This Guide presents strategies for the development of wayfinding that aids people on and en route to high-comfort bike and pedestrian lanes, paths, and quiet streets.