noncarriageway

Noncarriageway is a term used in road planning and civil engineering to describe portions of a road corridor that are not intended for regular motor vehicle movement. It contrasts with the carriageway, the part of a road designated for vehicular traffic. Noncarriageways typically include pedestrian facilities such as footways (sidewalks) and shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists, cycle tracks, verges and grass strips, central reservations, and other elements of the road right-of-way that serve non-vehicular users or functions. They may also encompass pedestrian crossings, footbridges, and sometimes lay-bys or parking areas when these are not used for through vehicle movement, depending on local design standards.

In design terms, noncarriageways are planned to separate different traffic streams and provide safe space for pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, and other road users. They usually have different performance requirements and construction standards from carriageways, often featuring lighter traffic expectations, variable surface treatments, and distinct safety features. The presence of noncarriageways can influence sightlines, crossing opportunities, lighting, and drainage arrangements, all of which affect overall road safety and accessibility.

Maintenance and responsibility for noncarriageways vary by jurisdiction and land ownership. In public rights-of-way, local authorities typically manage footways and cycle facilities, while verges and central reservations may require coordinated maintenance with adjacent landowners. Terminology can differ across regions, and some languages distinguish non-vehicular areas as pedestrian zones, cycle routes, or shared-use corridors rather than using the umbrella term noncarriageway.