Across Australia and the world, our streets, parks, and waterfronts are evolving, not just for cars, but for people. Walkers, runners, families, and cyclists are sharing more public spaces than ever before. But with this growth comes a challenge: how do we keep everyone safe, visible, and confident on shared paths? The answer lies not only in infrastructure but in something deceptively simple, smart, high-visibility line marking.

At Dolphin Line Marking, we believe that every line tells a story of safety, community, and connection. With clients in Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and MidCoast, we help builders, developers and civil engineers to build pathways where movement meets safety.

The Power of a Line: Why Shared Path Marking Matters

A well-marked shared path isn’t just about compliance, it’s about communication.
Each colour, symbol, and line guides behaviour, separates users, and helps prevent confusion before it starts. A bright blue line might tell cyclists, “This space is for you.” A crisp white edge might signal walkers, “Stay left, stay safe.”

When markings fade or paths lack clarity, near misses rise, tempers flare, and community confidence drops. But when markings are clear, durable, and purpose-built, the difference is immediate, smoother flow, fewer conflicts, and happier users.

Dolphin Line Marking specialises in thermoplastic, reflective, and photoluminescent materials that stand the test of time and weather. Whether it’s rain or shine, day or night, our markings stay visible when safety matters most.

Blue Shared Path Markings — Australia’s Bold Step Forward

In 2025, Lane Cove Council, Sydney NSW Australia introduced a new concept: blue shared path markings. Designed to clearly separate shared footpaths from other public spaces, these markings make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to show where they belong.

While some locals were initially surprised by the new look, the reasoning was strong, visibility and awareness. The initiative, supported by Transport for NSW and inspired by guidelines from the City of Sydney, uses blue as a unifying colour for shared paths.

These blue markings:

  • Highlight shared zones for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Reduce confusion in high-traffic community spaces.
  • Encourage safer speeds and clearer direction.

It’s a reminder that small changes in design can lead to big changes in safety. And Dolphin is proud to support that shift, implementing colour-coded systems that don’t just follow trends but lead them.

Glow-in-the-Dark Innovation: Lighting the Way After Dark

One of the most exciting innovations in road and path safety is photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) line marking. After successful trials in New South Wales, this technology is now being expanded across selected roads and paths.

These markings absorb sunlight during the day and glow through the night, guiding walkers, cyclists, and even motorists in low-light or foggy conditions. They’ve been shown to reduce accidents and improve user confidence, especially in regional areas with limited street lighting.

Dolphin’s adoption of glow-in-the-dark and high-reflectivity materials brings the same innovation to local shared paths, ensuring that visibility never sleeps.

Designing Shared Paths That Work for Everyone

Around the world, city planners are recognising that shared doesn’t mean chaotic, when designed well, it means safety.

Common design elements include:

  • Coloured surfaces (green, blue, or red) to separate zones.
  • Dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes for safer travel.
  • Bike boxes and advanced stop lines to reduce intersection risk.
  • Wayfinding signage that supports markings with clear messaging.

At Dolphin, we integrate all these elements using premium materials and intelligent layout planning. And, paths don’t just meet safety standards, they set them.

Lessons from the World’s Cycling Capitals

Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark have set global benchmarks for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Their success lies not only in policy but in precise, human-centred design.

  • In the Netherlands, separated red asphalt lanes, smooth transitions, and filtered intersections ensure every cyclist feels protected.
  • Germany uses tactile and coloured materials to distinguish paths, supporting accessibility for all users.
  • Denmark integrates cycling routes with green corridors and parks, turning every trip into a safe, scenic journey.

These systems prove that good design creates good behaviour, and good markings make good journeys.

Australia is catching up fast. With Dolphin’s expertise in thermoplastic and water-based marking systems, our shared paths are becoming smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

Emerging Trends: The Future of Shared Path Safety

By 2025, the global focus has shifted toward smart, sustainable, and sensor-integrated infrastructure. Here’s what’s shaping the decade ahead:

1. Smart and Sensor-Integrated Markings

Smart and sensor-integrated markings are road lines or path markings that have built-in technology to improve safety and communication. These markings can “sense” things like weather, traffic flow, or when a vehicle or bike is nearby, and then send signals or light up to warn drivers and riders.

For example:

  • On a rainy night, the markings might glow brighter to help drivers see the lanes clearly.
  • In busy areas, sensors could detect heavy traffic and send data to traffic control systems to adjust lights or signs.
  • On shared bike and walking paths, smart markings could flash or change colour if cyclists’ approach too fast, reminding everyone to slow down and stay safe.

2. Eco-Friendly and Low-VOC Materials

Friendly and low-VOC materials are safe, planet-friendly paints and products used for line marking.

“Low-VOC” means they have very little harmful chemical smell or gas, which is better for people who apply the paint and for the environment.

These materials reduce air pollution, dry faster, and last longer, making them a smarter, cleaner choice for schools, carparks, warehouses, and roads.

In short — they help keep our spaces safe without harming the air we breathe or the world we live in.

 Dolphin uses eco-friendly coatings and reflective beads that deliver performance without environmental compromise.

3. Enhanced Durability

At Dolphin Line Marking, we use premium thermoplastics and reflective glass beads that don’t just look great on day one, they stay strong and bright for years.

Thermoplastic markings are built to manage heat, rain, and constant traffic, making them perfect for busy bike paths, school zones, warehouses, and carparks. The reflective glass beads bounce light back to drivers and cyclists, keeping lines visible at night and in wet conditions.

Because Dolphin uses only the highest-grade materials, our markings last longer, need fewer touch-ups, and save you money over time.

It’s not just about paint, it’s about smart, durable safety that works every day.
That’s Dolphin reliability, where quality meets long-term value.

4. Smart Roads for a Smarter Future — Integration with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Line markings aren’t just lines anymore; they’re part of smart transport networks that communicate with technology on the road. This is called Integration with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

In simple terms, ITS connects road markings, vehicles, and sensors so they can “talk” to each other. For example, autonomous (self-driving) vehicles use cameras and sensors to read the lines on the road, helping them stay in lane and drive safely, even without a human driver.

Future systems are already being assessed where line markings can send data about traffic flow, road conditions, or hazards directly to vehicles. Some markings may even work with augmented reality navigation, helping drivers and cyclists see clearer directions projected in real time.

At Dolphin Line Marking, we stay ahead of these innovations by using precision-applied, high-contrast, and durable materials that are sensor-friendly as these are easy for both human eyes and vehicle cameras to detect.

It’s all part of our commitment to safer, smarter, future-ready roads. Dolphin doesn’t just mark today’s transport spaces; we help prepare them for tomorrow.

5. Improved User Guidance — Markings That Teach and Protect

Modern line markings do more than just show where to walk, ride, or drive, they guide, educate, and protect.

Today’s markings are designed to be brighter, more reflective, and easier to understand, even at night or in wet weather. They help everyone, whether walking, cycling, or driving, know exactly where they should be and how to share space safely.

For example, shared paths now use clear symbols, colours, and patterns that remind cyclists to slow down near pedestrians, or guide walkers to stay left. These markings aren’t just visual aids, they teach road and path etiquette every day, reducing confusion and preventing accidents.

At Dolphin Line Marking, we bring these innovations to life. Our team uses premium reflective materials, and smart layout designs to improve visibility, flow, and safety across roads, carparks, and community paths.

We turn global trends into practical, on-the-ground solutions that make Australian streets and shared paths safer, clearer, and easier to use for everyone.

Because at Dolphin, it’s not just about marking lines, it’s about guiding people safely through their world.

Dedicated vs. Shared Paths: Finding the Right Fit

There’s no single “perfect” path design, the right choice depends on space, cost, and how many people will use it. Both dedicated and shared paths have clear benefits, and when done right, both can deliver safe, efficient travel for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Dedicated Paths – Maximum Safety, Higher Cost

Dedicated paths separate cyclists and pedestrians completely. This means fewer conflicts, smoother flow, and greater confidence for all users, especially in busy areas like schools, shopping precincts, or city centres. However, dedicated paths require more space, more planning, and higher initial costs. The payoff is long-term: lower accident risk, less maintenance from wear, and a more professional, polished look that enhances local amenity.

Shared Paths – Cost-Effective and Community-Friendly

Shared paths are ideal for suburban, regional, or space-limited areas, where full separation isn’t practical. By using clear line markings, colour coding, and symbols, both walkers and cyclists can share space safely. They’re more affordable to build and keep, and they create a friendly, community-focused atmosphere, encouraging active travel without major infrastructure investment.

The Real Cost–Benefit

While dedicated paths can cost up to 50% more to build, they often reduce accidents and legal liability, while increasing public satisfaction and accessibility. Shared paths, when well-marked and maintained, deliver 80–90% of the safety benefits at a fraction of the cost but only if the markings are clear and durable.

That’s where Dolphin Line Marking makes the difference. We use premium thermoplastics, reflective glass beads, and vibrant colour contrasts to maximise visibility and longevity, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring every dollar spent on safety delivers long-term value.

From urban bike networks to coastal walkways, Dolphin transforms complex designs into clear, user-friendly paths that protect your community and your budget.

Case Study: Lane Cove’s Blue Revolution

In 2025, Lane Cove Council’s blue shared path trial became a talking point in Sydney. Some residents questioned the look, but soon, the benefits became clear.

  • Safer movement between pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Better awareness of shared zones.
  • A consistent, modern design language.

This case study highlights a key truth: safety innovation often starts with conversation. By using bold colour and evidence-based marking layouts, councils are reshaping how people move together, and Dolphin is proud to help paint that change.

Why Dolphin Line Marking Leads the Way

At Dolphin Line Marking, safety isn’t a side project it’s our core value. We combine technical expertise with community care, designing markings that protect people where it matters most: under their feet and wheels.

Our promise is simple:
✅ Precision: Every marking placed with purpose and accuracy.

✅ Performance: Materials that last in Australia’s harsh conditions.

✅Road Safety First – Every line, symbol, and surface is designed to prevent confusion, reduce risk, and protect every road and path user — cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.

✅Durability You Can Count On – Using premium thermoplastics and reflective glass beads, our markings withstand high traffic, harsh weather, and constant wear.

✅Sustainable Strength – Our materials and application methods reduce maintenance needs, extend service life, and lower long-term costs, delivering real value without compromising safety.

We collaborate with builders, developers, civil engineers, contractors, and local councils to create infrastructure with precision, performance, innovation, safety, and durability from planning to final application

Whether it’s a shared path in a busy urban centre or a quiet walking track in a regional park, Dolphin ensures every user, from schoolchildren to seniors, can move safely and confidently.

More Information

Peter Siegmund

admin@thedolphingroup.com.au