What The Heck Are Sharrows?

Sharrows, or Sharing Arrows are showing up on streets in cities (Red Bank and others), and bicyclists and cars don’t know what do do with them.

BY 

MALIGNED AND MISUNDERSTOOD, SHARROWS ARE THE CAUSE OF MUCH FRUSTRATION FOR CYCLISTS AND DRIVERS ALIKE. BUT THEY CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE—IF THEY’RE USED CORRECTLY.

For something that ought to help clarify rules of the road, the shared lane marking—more commonly known as the “sharrow”—can cause tremendous confusion. The distance between what it’s supposed to mean and how it’s actually used is a source of frustration for cyclists and drivers alike. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The sharrow, though often maligned and misunderstood, can have its proper place on our shared streets. That can only happen, however, if we understand its uses and limitations.

Recent opinion by Luisa D’Amato The Record in Ontario, Canada:

 

Sharrows — In Ontario those bicycle symbols on a green background that are painted on some downtown streets — are confusing and pointless. It’s time for them to go.

Read more…

https://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/8671550-d-amato-sharrows-are-a-failed-cycling-experiment/

 

 

 

 

Shared-lane markings alternating with full bike lanes in Grand Street (Manhattan)

A shared-lane marking in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Read more…

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a20044419/what-are-sharrows-used-for/

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