Thermoplastic Shared Cycle and Pedestrian Symbol

Enhanced Safety for Shared Path Users in High-Traffic Areas

The Thermoplastic Shared Cycle and Parent and child symbol clearly shows that a route is shared by cyclists and pedestrians, helping reduce confusion, improve traffic flow, and make busy shared spaces safer for vulnerable road users.

Shared use paths indicate that the path is legally open and designed for cyclists and pedestrians without physical dividing lines. This symbol consists of a bicycle icon placed above a pedestrian icon and is commonly used alongside thermoplastic bicycle symbols and is widely used on unsegregated footpaths, greenways, parks, cycle paths, crossings, and urban areas where people walk and ride in the same space.

Unlike standard painted markings, thermoplastic road marking symbols from our wider thermoplastic symbols range are heat-bonded to the surface for a durable, long-lasting finish. Using thermoplastic materials for shared cycle and pedestrian symbols maximizes infrastructure longevity, improves road safety, and minimizes surface maintenance costs.

Why You’ll Love It

• Clear shared-use identification – Instantly shows pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, drivers, and other road users that the route is designed for shared movement.

• High visibility in wet conditions and at night – Intermixed glass beads in thermoplastic enhance retroreflectivity, increasing visibility at night and in low-light conditions.

• Long-lasting performance – Thermoplastic lasts significantly longer than standard painted markings and features embedded anti-slip properties for safety.

• Improved grip for cyclists and pedestrians – The texture of thermoplastic increases surface friction, lowering the risk of skidding, especially for cyclists on wet or sloped surfaces.

• Fast installation with minimal disruption – Heat-activated preformed thermoplastic symbols cure in under 10 minutes, minimizing road closure times during installation.

• Weather-resistant colour clarity – High-pigment formulas of thermoplastic resist UV fading and weather erosion, maintaining clear boundaries for active travel modes.

This symbol is ideal for local authorities, highway contractors, and site managers who need a clear, durable, and easy-to-recognise road marking for shared routes.

What Makes It Different

Standard paint markings can fade, chip, and lose definition quickly, especially in heavy traffic, wet conditions, car parks, playgrounds, junctions, and busy urban areas. Paint often requires frequent reapplication, which increases maintenance time and cost.

Thermoplastic Shared Cycle and Pedestrian Symbol is built differently:

• Heat-fused application – Thermoplastic paint is a popular choice for marking busy highways and major cycle routes, as it bonds directly with the road surface and can withstand constant traffic, making it highly durable.

• Retroreflective glass beads – Reflective glass beads mixed or embedded in thermoplastic enhance visibility for both pedestrians and cyclists in low light or adverse weather.

• Headlight response at night – Reflective materials incorporated into thermoplastic markings improve visibility at night by bouncing back vehicle headlights, helping drivers spot cyclists sooner.

• Crisp, accurate symbol layout – Preformed thermoplastics are commonly used for marking bike lanes due to their durability and high visibility, allowing for accurate and permanent application of symbols and arrows.

• Anti-slip finish – The textured surface is designed to help users pass safely over the marking without losing grip.

Clear lane markings guide traffic flow, define rights and responsibilities, and reduce confusion for vulnerable road users like cyclists, enhancing safety. Where a cycle lane, cycle route, or shared path needs extra structure, colour-coded separation between cycling and motorised traffic has proven highly effective, enhancing both structure and the sense of safety for cyclists.

How It Works

1. Prepare the surface
   The application area is cleaned, dried, and checked for oil, loose materials, debris, moisture, or poor surface condition. A safe start depends on proper preparation, especially on tarmac, asphalt, concrete, or an existing carriageway surface.

2. Apply heat to bond the symbol
   The preformed thermoplastic symbol is positioned on the surface and heated with specialist equipment until the material melts and bonds with the road. This heat-activated process creates a strong connection between the marking and the surface.

3. Allow the symbol to cool and set
   Once cooled, the marking becomes ready for use. Heat-activated preformed thermoplastic symbols cure in under 10 minutes, helping save time and reduce disruption to traffic, pedestrians, vehicles, and site access.

For routes that also include lanes, directional arrows, bicycle symbols, signs, or a thermoplastic line marking tape system, the shared symbol can be installed as part of a wider road marking layout to improve direction, approach visibility, and route recognition.

Product Details

• Product type: Thermoplastic shared cycle and pedestrian road marking symbol

• Symbol layout: Bicycle icon above pedestrian icon

• Material composition: High-grade thermoplastic compound with pigments, aggregates, anti-slip texture, and glass beads

• Visibility: Intermixed and embedded reflective glass beads for night and wet-weather visibility

• Finish: Durable, skid-resistant, high-contrast marking

• Typical use areas: Cycle paths, shared footpaths, greenways, parks, crossings, car parks, campuses, playgrounds, public spaces, and urban areas

• Application method: Heat-applied preformed thermoplastic using a propane gas torch or suitable heating equipment

• Cure time: Under 10 minutes, depending on surface and weather conditions

• Expected lifespan: 5–10 years depending on traffic volume, surface quality, and maintenance

• Compliance focus: Suitable for UK shared-use marking schemes and designed to support authorised highway code, road marking, and local authority requirements

For wider cycle infrastructure, mandatory cycle lanes are marked with a solid white line, which drivers must not enter or park in during operational hours, providing a protected space for cyclists. Advisory cycle lanes are indicated by a broken white line, allowing drivers to cross them while providing guidance for cyclists, commonly used on narrower roads.

Cycle lane symbols, such as white bicycle symbols and directional arrows, should be placed regularly along cycle lanes to help both cyclists and motorists recognize the route and improve safety.

Who It’s For

Ideal for:

• Local authorities managing shared cycle and pedestrian paths

• Highway contractors installing durable road marking systems

• Road marking specialists working on cycle route upgrades

• Parks and recreation departments improving multi-use trails

• Property developers creating shared access routes

• Schools, colleges, and universities marking shared campus pathways

• Commercial sites and wider car park markings projects directing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles safely

If you want to improve safety, reduce confusion, and create a clear shared route for pedestrians and cyclists, this thermoplastic symbol is an essential marking for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the thermoplastic symbol last compared to paint?
Thermoplastic markings typically last 5–10 years depending on traffic volume and surface conditions. Standard paint usually wears much faster, especially on heavy traffic routes, busy bike lanes, and exposed outdoor areas.

What surface types are suitable for application?
The symbol can be applied to suitable asphalt, tarmac, concrete, and prepared road surfaces. The surface must be clean, dry, and ready to receive heat-applied materials.

Is special equipment required for installation?
Yes. Thermoplastic markings require heat application using specialist equipment such as a gas torch or infrared heater. Professional application is recommended for safe, compliant, and durable results.

How does weather affect the installation process?
Installation should not take place on wet surfaces. Moisture, very cold conditions, or poor surface preparation can affect adhesion. Once installed, the finished symbol performs well in wet conditions and adverse weather.

What maintenance is required after installation?
Routine inspection is recommended. Check for dirt build-up, edge lifting, fading, bead loss, or damage from vehicles, snow clearance, resurfacing, or utility works.

Does it comply with current UK highway marking standards?
This product is designed for UK shared-use marking applications and should be installed in line with relevant authorised road marking guidance, including the highway code, local authority specifications, and applicable standards for markings, symbols, colours, and skid resistance.

Is thermoplastic the only option for cycle lane markings?
No. Cold plastics are preferred for cycle lane markings because they have a shorter curing time and are better suited for high-traffic areas, providing a solid basis for bike routes. However, thermoplastic remains a highly durable and popular choice for shared symbols, bicycle symbols, arrows, and major cycle routes.

Ready to Upgrade Your Shared Path Markings?

Stop relying on faded paint and unclear signs. Choose the Thermoplastic Shared Cycle and Pedestrian Symbol to create a clear, durable, high-visibility marking that helps cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and other road users understand the route at a glance.

Order for your next cycle path, park route, crossing, footpath, carriageway scheme, or public space project. For sizing, colours, application guidance, professional installation services, or bulk orders, contact our team through the website, call for a quote, or send your project details through the enquiry form.

Ready to improve shared path safety?
Choose a thermoplastic marking designed to last, save maintenance costs, and keep road users moving in the right direction.

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