What is a sharrow?

A sharrow is a symbol marked on the road, designed to indicate that a regular traffic lane is shared between cyclists and motor vehicles. This marking serves as a reminder to drivers that they should expect to see cyclists in that lane and encourages cyclists to ride in a more prominent position within the travel lane, ensuring they are visible and safe.

Sharrows help improve safety by guiding both drivers and cyclists on how to share the road responsibly. They are typically used on streets without dedicated bike lanes, where it may not be safe for cyclists to ride at the edge of the roadway due to parked cars or other hazards. This shared lane concept promotes a more cohesive interaction between cyclists and vehicles, contributing to safer roadways for everyone.

The other options describe different types of traffic or facilities that do not accurately encompass the purpose or function of a sharrow.