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Shared Use Path Planning and Design Guide

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.

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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.

Shared Use Path Planning Primer

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.

Cost Estimating Tool

Cost Estimating Tool - Guidance Document

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.

MassTrails Bike Wayfinding Design Guide

Early Coordination with the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Shared Use Path - Early MESA Coordination Guide

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