As someone who designs and reviews pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, I get this question a lot. The short answer is that a good general rule is to place street benches roughly every 100 to 200 feet along a path, which is about every 30 to 60 meters. In many urban settings, I use 150 feet, or about 45 meters, as a practical default. That said, there is no single legal rule that applies everywhere, so the best spacing really depends on who is using the path, how steep or exposed it is, and how the surrounding space is designed.
A 100-to-200-foot spacing works well because it matches how people actually use public paths. It is close enough that someone can see the next bench and not feel stranded, but not so frequent that the path becomes visually cluttered. For an older adult, a child, or someone managing pain or fatigue, a bench every 150 feet can be the difference between a comfortable walk and a stressful one. Even for people who do not need a rest, regular benches help define the space and make the route feel cared for.
There are times when you should reduce the spacing. On slopes, near stairs, or along routes with a noticeable grade, I recommend placing benches every 50 to 100 feet because walking uphill or downhill takes more effort. Around hospitals, senior centers, transit stops, grocery stores, and busy commercial frontages, closer spacing also makes sense. In hot climates, benches should be placed where they will be shaded for much of the day, even if that means adjusting the spacing. If a path is steep, exposed, or likely to be used by people who need frequent rest breaks, a maximum gap of 200 feet is a safer target.
You can sometimes stretch the spacing on low-use trails or in natural areas. A recreational path through a park might work with benches every 300 to 400 feet if there are other places to sit, such as low walls, rocks, or shaded lawn areas. However, even on trails, I would avoid going beyond about a quarter mile without some kind of rest spot unless the path is very gentle and users are expected to be active.
Good bench spacing is not only about distance. The bench should be set back about 24 to 36 inches from the edge of the path so people can sit without their feet or bags blocking pedestrians. It should face the path or a nice view, and it should have a firm, accessible clear space beside it for a wheelchair or stroller. Shade, lighting, and visibility are also part of placement. A bench hidden behind planting or placed in a dark corner will be used less often, even if the spacing looks perfect on a plan.
In practice, I usually start with a 150-foot spacing along an urban path, then adjust for grade, climate, demand, and accessibility. That gives you a comfortable, realistic rhythm that serves both people who want to rest and people who just want to enjoy the street.