Shared Lane Markings

Shared Lane Markings

Bicycle in a Shared lane

Shared lane pavement markings (sometimes called “sharrows”) are bicycle symbols carefully placed toguide bicyclists to the best location to ride on the road, avoid car doors and alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists. Unlike bicycle lanes, shared lane markings do not designate a particular part of the street for the exclusive use of bicyclists. They are simply a marking used on selected streets to remind motorists and bicyclists that they share the lane, guide bicyclists’ position in the travel lane, and encourage motorists to safely pass bicyclists. A shared lane marking is particularly suited to narrow, downhill street segments where motorist and bicyclist speeds are similar.

What do shared lane markings mean for motorists and bicyclists?

Motorists:
• Expect to see bicyclists on the street in the travel lane
• Remember to give bicyclists three feet of space when passing
• If the lane is too narrow, wait until the lane widens or until it is safe to change lanes before passing

Bicyclists
• Use the shared lane marking to guide where you ride within the lane
• Remember not to ride too close to parked cars
• Ride with the flow of traffic

Bicyclists and motorists both have a right to use our streets, and both have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road.

More information

Contact the Transportation Options Coordinator in the Public Works Department main office.

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