A road is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic that mostly has an improved surface for use by

vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) and pedestrians. Unlike streets, the main function of roads
is transportation.

There are many types of roads, including parkways, avenues, controlled-access highways (freeways,
motorways, and expressways), tollways, interstates, highways, thoroughfares, and local roads.

The primary features of roads include lanes, sidewalks (pavement), roadways (carriageways),
medians, shoulders, verges, bike paths (cycle paths), and shared-use paths.

Definitions

A bricked road in Bangladesh

A gravel road in Namibia

Historically many roads were simply recognizable routes without any formal construction or some
maintenance.[1]

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines a road as "a line of
communication (travelled way) using a stabilized base other than rails or air strips open to public
traffic, primarily for the use of road motor vehicles running on their own wheels", which includes
"bridges, tunnels, supporting structures, junctions, crossings, interchanges, and toll roads, but not
cycle paths".[2]

The Eurostat, ITF and UNECE Glossary for Transport Statistics Illustrated defines a road as a "Line of
communication (traveled way) open to public traffic, primarily for the use of road motor vehicles,
using a stabilized base other than rails or air strips. [...] Included are paved roads and other roads
with a stabilized base, e.g. gravel roads. Roads also cover streets, bridges, tunnels, supporting
structures, junctions, crossings and interchanges. Toll roads are also included. Excluded are
dedicated cycle lanes."[3]

The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic defines a road as the entire surface of any way or street
open to public traffic.[4]
In urban areas roads may diverge through a city or village and be named as streets, serving a dual
function as urban space easement and route.[5] Modern roads are normally smoothed, paved, or
otherwise prepared to allow easy travel.[6]

Australia

See also: Highways in Australia

Part 2, Division 1, clauses 11-13 of the National Transport Commission Road Transport Legislation
2006 defines a road in Australia as 'an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed
for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles.'[7]

Further, it defines a shoulder (typical an area of the road outside the edge line, or the curb) and a
road-related area which includes green areas separating roads, areas designated for cyclists and
areas generally accessible to the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.