Shared Lane Markings (Sharrows)

Shared lane markings (sometimes called sharrows) are a relatively new pavement marking. They were approved for use nationally by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in December 2009 after several years of research and testing in various cities around the U.S.

Shared lane markings serve two main purposes:

• Provide guidance to people riding bikes as to where they should ride on a shared roadway to reduce their chances of being hit by an opening car door
• Alert drivers to the possible presence of bikers, set expectations as to where the bikers will be riding, and remind all street users to share the road

Studies of shared lane markings from other communities have shown several benefits:

• Bike riders position themselves further from parked cars to stay out of the door zone
• Passing drivers give more room to bike riders
• Fewer people ride bikes on the sidewalk
• Fewer people ride bikes the wrong way

Shared lane markings are not a replacement for bike lanes. These markings should only be used in certain circumstances such as a disconnect in the existing bike lane network, a lack of parallel routes, slower vehicle speeds, significant bike traffic, and/or an inability to make space to add a bike lane.