Multi-use Paths

On January 20, 2026, the Auburn City Council adopted an ordinance to amend City Code to define multi-use paths and their intended use. This allows the City to ensure the paths are used appropriately and are as safe as possible for travelers.

What is a multi-use path?

Multi-use paths are located in or adjacent to public right-of-way that is physically separated from the roadway. They are normally constructed to support two-way travel by users of all types and abilities. They provide multi-modal connectivity between neighborhoods, shopping areas, parks and schools and function as a linear recreation space that encourages safe, low-speed travel.

Multi-use paths are more than 5-feet wide and are located throughout the city, with the exception of inside the downtown business district.

What kind of transportation is allowed on a multi-use path?

Multi-use paths are wider than your typical sidewalk, with many of them reaching up to 12- or 14-feet in width to accommodate two-way traffic of various modes of transportation — from pedestrians to electric bicycles. Please see below for what is allowed on a multi-use path.

Multi-use paths provide for multi-modal connectivity and are constructed to accommodate two-way travel by users of all types and abilities, including pedestrians, wheelchairs and other mobility devices, bicycles, skateboards, skates, kickscooters, electric scooters, electric bicycles and other forms of non-motorized conveyance.

What is not allowed on the path?

• No parking. Parking is prohibited on multi-use paths as well as on sidewalks.
• No golf carts or low-speed vehicles. It is unlawful to operate a golf cart, low-speed vehicle, all-terrain vehicle or motor vehicle on a multi-use path or sidewalk.

Anyone in violation of these regulations may be ticketed.

What is a low-speed vehicle and where are they allowed?

Low-speed vehicles differ from standard golf carts in that they have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and have a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).

To operate on city streets, low-speed vehicles must:

• Have a VIN and MSO
• Be tagged or registered by the DMV and be driven by a licensed and insured driver
• Have a minimum threshold of 20 MPH and top speed of 25 MPH
• Have head and tail lights, front and rear turn signals and stop lights
• Have reflex reflectors, including one red reflector on each side as far to the rear of the vehicle as practical, and one red reflector on the rear of the vehicle
• Have parking breaks
• Have a windshield (AS-1 or AS-5 composition)
• Have a lap belt or shoulder belt

Standard, unlicensed golf carts are prohibited on all streets, sidewalks and multi-use paths within the city.

Where can I find multi-use paths in Auburn?

The City has many multi-use paths throughout town. Explore our interactive map to find a path near you!

Multi-use path etiquette

Please keep in mind the following multi-use path etiquette, and enjoy Auburn's paths!

• Pay attention to speed. If there are others on the path, either biking or walking, slow your roll when passing.
• Stay right. These paths are designed to be used for people traveling in both directions. Be aware of those around you and keep to the right side of the path unless you're passing someone. That includes groups!
• Yield to oncoming traffic. If you're passing someone, make sure there isn't any oncoming traffic before encroaching into the left side of the path.
• Be aware. Make sure you can hear what's going on around you. Only use one earbud in the ear on the opposite side of vehicular traffic.
• Be seen. Wear reflective materials and/or make sure your bike lights are on when you're out after dark.
• Wheels yield to heels. If you're on a bike, yield to pedestrians. Riding at high speeds in crowded areas is dangerous for all parties. If you're riding at higher speeds, consider riding on the roadway instead of the path.
• Keep pets close. Retractable leashes can become hazards on a busy path. Keep pets safe by keeping them close!