Alternative Text Description for Shared Use Paths

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays the locations of shared use paths throughout the state of Florida. Shared use paths are paved facilities physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier, used by bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, runners, and others. The map shows the spatial distribution of these paths across Florida, revealing where this type of infrastructure exists within the state's roadway network.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, extending from the panhandle region in the northwest (including areas near Tallahassee) to the Florida Keys in the south. Major cities labeled on the map include Jacksonville in the northeast, Orlando in central Florida, Tampa and St. Petersburg on the west coast, Miami in the southeast, and Cape Coral and Fort Myers in southwest Florida. Additional cities shown include Gainesville, Palm Coast, Lakeland, Port St. Lucie, Coral Springs, and West Palm Beach along the east coast. The map also shows portions of neighboring states including southern Georgia (Dothan and Albany areas) and Alabama in the north. The Gulf of America forms the western boundary, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the east coast. The Straits of Florida are labeled at the southern tip of the state.

KEY INSIGHTS

Shared use paths show a strongly urbanized distribution pattern, with concentrations around major metropolitan areas. The highest densities of shared use paths appear in southeast Florida around Miami, Coral Springs, and West Palm Beach, forming nearly continuous corridors along the Atlantic coast. Other major concentrations exist around Orlando in central Florida, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Lakeland area on the west coast, and Jacksonville in the northeast. Coastal communities along both the Atlantic and Gulf of America coasts show more developed path networks than interior regions. The panhandle region shows sparse distribution with scattered paths near Tallahassee and along the Gulf coast. Large areas of interior Florida, particularly in the north-central region, show minimal or no shared use path infrastructure. The Florida Keys display a notable linear corridor of paths extending southwest from the mainland.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Shared Use Paths

This layer represents paved facilities separated from motorized traffic that serve multiple types of non-motorized users.

Shared Use Paths (bright yellow linear features)

Appearance:

Bright yellow lines of varying lengths, ranging from short segments to longer continuous corridors.

Distribution:

Distributed throughout Florida with heaviest concentrations in southeastern coastal areas, central Florida around Orlando, the Tampa Bay region, and Jacksonville. Coastal areas along both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America show greater path density than interior regions.

Notable locations:

Spatial patterns:

Paths tend to cluster in and around urban centers, with coastal communities showing more developed networks than inland areas. Many paths follow linear corridors suggesting alignment with roadways or coastal routes. The distribution suggests correlation with population density and urbanization. Interior rural areas, particularly in north-central Florida, show minimal path development.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents shared use paths as derived from the Florida Department of Transportation's Roadway Characteristics Inventory. The data shows locations of paths along roadways and represents the most recent inventory performed. Current conditions may differ from what is shown. This is a statewide overview map showing the general distribution pattern of shared use path infrastructure across Florida. The map focuses on the thematic layer of shared use paths rather than other roadway or transportation features.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

The data is derived from the Florida Department of Transportation Roads Characteristics Inventory (RCI) dataset, specifically from event mapping Feature 216, characteristic SHARDPTH. The Roadway Characteristics Inventory collects information about roadway features and infrastructure throughout Florida's transportation network. Data source layer name: SHARED_PATH_JAN26.

Definition Query:

No definition query or filter criteria was applied to this dataset.

Scale Information:

This is a statewide map showing the entire state of Florida at a scale appropriate for understanding regional distribution patterns of shared use paths across the state.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

The data represents the most recent inventory performed as of January 26. The specific year is indicated by the dataset name but exact collection dates may vary by location.

Limitations:

This data represents conditions as of the most recent inventory and may not reflect current conditions. Changes to shared use path infrastructure occurring after the inventory date would not be shown. The data is limited to shared use paths along roadways in the FDOT inventory system.

Map Coverage:

The map covers the entire state of Florida from the panhandle to the Florida Keys, with portions of southern Georgia and Alabama shown for geographic context.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.