What are “Shared Lanes”?

Why Shared Lanes are Usually Superior to Segregated Bike Lanes

When In Rome……

It starts with an understanding that the safest place for reasonably experienced cyclists to ride is in the street, especially at bike speeds. That's because, in the street, you are riding where motorists are looking for other vehicles. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. When biking on the street, do what other drivers do.

Sidewalks are Dangerous……

Sidewalks can be a dangerous place to cycle, especially at bike speeds. Motorists don’t look to sidewalks for other vehicles. Motorists especially don't look for fast-moving vehicles (bicycles) darting into crosswalks or across driveways or other intersections. Plus there are other hazards as well, including pedestrians and stationary obstructions.

Segregated Bike Lanes are Little Better……

Traditional bike lanes that segregate cyclists into a narrow lane for their exclusive use are also problematic. The biggest problem is that "bike lanes" can encourage inappropriate behavior. Bike lanes tend to encourage cyclists to make left turns from the right curb, or to pass slow or stopped vehicles on the right, in the driver's blind spot. Plus these lanes often force cyclists into the “door zone” where on-street parking is present (as is the case virtually throughout Lakewood). And traditional lanes encourage motorists' mistakes when making right turns. Finally, bike lakes tend to collect all manner of debris (including broken glass) and standing water if they are not frequently cleaned.

Are “Shared Lanes” the Answer?

Many people are beginning to think so. True “vehicular cyclists” feel they are unnecessary. But many feel that shared lane markings encourage less accomplished cyclists onto the roadway and off the sidewalk. Many cities have begun using shared lane markings to suggest riding position for cyclists (however some cycling experts feel that this is an inappropriate use of lane markings because the proper riding position changes with traffic and road conditions). The riding location suggested by shared lane markings is out in the street, away from the curb and outside the door zone of parked cars. Typically, shared lane markings are located on the roadway near where the right tire of a vehicle would be. This is where cyclists are most likely to be noticed by motorists, and thereby avoided.

Recently, several cities are adopting or have adopted shared lane markings (also called "sharrows"). Below are several links for your review.

Education is Key!

Unfortunately, most of us were taught bike safety by folks with no knowledge of the subject - our parents. So, even with shared lane markings for guidance, cyclists should be encouraged to educate themselves in “bike driving”. One such program is the League of American Bicyclists "Bike Ed" program. Plus, cities and volunteer organizations need to take an active role by offering educational activities and materials, training cyclists, educating teachers and youth organization leaders, etc.

Why "Shared Lane Markings”?

The San Francisco study identified many positive effects that shared lane markings have on cyclist and motorist behavior. Among them......

• Shared lane markings encourage more street riders, reducing the number of bike riders on the sidewalks.

• Shared lane markings encourage cyclists to ride in the proper direction, with (not against) the flow of vehicular traffic.

• Shared lane markings alert motorists that cyclists may be present.

• Shared lane markings help motorists understand that they are obligated to share the roadway with cyclists.

• Shared lane markings encourage cyclists to ride farther out in the street.

• Shared lane markings encourage motorists to pass cyclists with more distance between them.

• Shared lane markings encourage motorists to leave more room between themselves and parked cars even when cyclists are not present.

These findings were derived from either physical measurement or by way of a survey of cyclists and motorists.  Shared lane markings were adopted by the California DOT in 2005 (PDF document).  Here is a video clip of a sharrow being applied to a San Francisco street.