bicycle path: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, formal to informal
Quick answer
What does “bicycle path” mean?
A path or lane designated for use by bicycles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A path or lane designated for use by bicycles.
A designated, often paved, route separate from motor traffic for the safe use of cyclists; sometimes shared with pedestrians.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK prefers 'cycle path' more often. US uses 'bike path', 'bicycle path', and 'bike lane' (the latter often painted on road).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, but US 'bike path' often suggests recreational use.
Frequency
More common in UK and European contexts due to denser cycling infrastructure.
Grammar
How to Use “bicycle path” in a Sentence
ride on a bicycle pathbuild a bicycle path along the riverseparate the bicycle path from the roadVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bicycle path” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to bicycle-path the entire waterfront.
- They are bicycle-pathing the old railway line.
American English
- The city voted to bike-path the park perimeter.
- They are planning to bike-path the historic district.
adverb
British English
- The route goes bicycle-path along the canal.
American English
- We travelled bike-path for twenty miles.
adjective
British English
- bicycle-path access
- bicycle-path network
American English
- bike-path construction
- bike-path advocacy
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in proposals for urban development projects.
Academic
Used in urban planning, transportation, and environmental studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing commuting, leisure cycling, or local infrastructure.
Technical
Used in civil engineering and transport planning documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bicycle path”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bicycle path”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bicycle path”
- Using 'bicycle path' for a painted lane on a road (better: 'bike lane').
- Misspelling as 'bycicle path'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We bicycled path...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'bike lane' is typically a painted lane on a road. A 'bicycle path' is often a separate, physically distinct route.
It depends. Some are 'shared-use paths' for both cyclists and pedestrians, while others are for cyclists only. Signage indicates the rules.
To provide a safer, more convenient route for cyclists, separate from motor vehicle traffic, encouraging cycling as transport.
Usually the local municipal authority or transportation department, similar to roads and footpaths.
A path or lane designated for use by bicycles.
Bicycle path is usually neutral, formal to informal in register.
Bicycle path: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌpɑːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪsɪkəl ˌpæθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly; the term is literal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PATH just for your BICYCLE, keeping you safe from cars.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RIBBON OF SAFETY, A CORRIDOR FOR CYCLISTS
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most specific for a route physically separated from road traffic?