An elderly couple strolling hand-in-hand down the sidewalk are approached by a bicyclist heading in the opposite direction. There isn’t room to pass. Can the bicyclist go “off roading” into grass or gravel? Should they dismount and walk by? Do they risk getting hit by a car in the “bike lane” several feet away? In these uncertain moments, near-accidents happen. And they happen often.

Shared-use paths, where cyclists and pedestrians travel side by side, are meant to improve mobility and reduce conflicts. Yet without clear boundaries, they can feel unsafe. Many sidewalks do not define lanes for pedestrians versus bicyclists. Even when they do, cyclists worry about pedestrians drifting into their lane and pedestrians, especially those with vision impairments, can’t always detect where the sidewalk ends and the bike path begins. Everyone loses confidence.

Why Clarity Matters in Shared Spaces

Despite feelings of uncertainty when sharing sidewalk-level pathways, studies confirm that near-collisions between pedestrians and cyclists occur up to 50 times more often than actual crashes. Cyclists also report significantly higher feelings of safety when infrastructure provides a distinct separation rather than a painted line. 

The problem isn’t the shared path itself, it is the absence of detectable, predictable boundaries. 

The Solution: Sidewalk-Level Pathways with Tactile Delineators

Sidewalk-level bike lanes raise cyclists above traffic while keeping pedestrians in their own clearly defined space. But what ensures the two groups don’t overlap? Tactile warning delineators (TWDs), like TekWay’s trapezoid delineators.

These ADA- and PROWAG-compliant tiles create a “border, not a barrier.”

• For pedestrians: The tactile change underfoot provides a clear cue not to wander into bike space.
• For cyclists: The delineators are designed to be traversable, so they don’t pose a hazard if crossed at an angle.
• For cities: They create predictability, reduce conflict, and work year-round with slip resistance and durability.

In short, tactile delineators transform shared-use paths from stress points into safe, navigable spaces.

Proof in Practice

On Market Street in San Francisco, TekWay’s trapezoid delineators were tested by blind pedestrians, wheelchair users, and cyclists as part of the city’s Quick-Build Program. The results were clear: the tiles improved navigation, reduced conflicts, and increased confidence for everyone using the corridor. Following installation, Market Street saw a 25% increase in bike usage and improved safety perceptions among pedestrians.

This real-world case shows what the research already makes clear: when shared-use paths are clearly defined with tactile delineators, both pedestrians and cyclists feel—and are—safer.

Improved Safety for All Users

Cyclists do not have to choose between the dangers of fast-moving traffic and the unpredictability of pedestrians. Pedestrians should not have to fear bikes appearing suddenly in their path. Sidewalk-level bikeways with tactile delineators solve both problems.

The future of safer streets depends on smarter design. And it starts with giving everyone, from cyclists and pedestrians to people with disabilities, the clarity they need to move confidently.