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UNDERSTANDING BICYCLE SYMBOLS, SIGNS & MARKINGS

BIKE LANE

When you bike: Striped bike lanes designate a dedicated space on the roadway for bicycles to ride. They are marked by a bike stencil with an arrow and a bike lane sign. Always travel in the same direction as traffic.

When you drive: A bike lane is restricted to automobile traffic, except in instances when you need to enter or leave the roadway or park adjacent to the bike lane. Always yield to through bicyclists when you cross a bike lane. When parking adjacent to the bike lane look for approaching bicyclists before you open your door.

SHARROW

When you bike: Sharrows designate a safe and visible place to ride. Sharrows also indicate the correct direction to travel.

When you drive: Keep an eye out for all types of travel — bikes, pedestrians, skateboards, etc. Drive slowly and give ample room when passing.

 BIKE-SPECIFIC SIGNAL DETECTORS

When you bike: Position your wheels over the lines of the marking and stay there to activate the sensor and "get the green." If a car is already waiting, it will activate the signal for you.

When you drive: Be aware of cyclists using the full lane to trigger traffic signals.

 DASHED BIKE LANE

When you bike: Watch for turning vehicles or buses making stops. The dashed lines mean a mix of traffic can use the space.

When you drive: Watch for and yield to cyclists going straight through when crossing dashed bike lanes.

GREEN BIKE LANES 

When you bike: Green bike lanes highlight locations where drivers merge across or turn across a bike lane. Continue to use caution and assume drivers don't see you. Wait behind vehicles who are in the shared space preparing to turn.  

When you drive: Green bike lanes highlight locations where drivers merge across or turn across a bike lane. Make sure to yield to through bicyclists and check your blind spot for cyclists approaching an intersection.  

BIKE BOULEVARD 

When you bike: While a bike boulevard prioritizes bicycle traffic, you must still obey all traffic signals and signs. Riders must yield to pedestrians and motorists who have the right-of-way.  

When you drive: Look out for bike lanes, bike dots, shared lane markings and guide signs to indicate a bike boulevard. You are allowed to drive on and over bike boulevard pavement markings unless indicated otherwise. Remember to only overtake a bicyclist at a safe speed and only if there is a legally safe passing distance of at least 3 feet.

BIKE ROUTES

When you bike: A bicycle route is a suggested route to get to a specific destination. Bike routes are usually located on low traffic volume streets or scenic, direct routes that are preferred to bicyclists.

When you drive: Be aware of when you are traveling on a designated bike route. Look out for bikes that may be present and pass bicycles safe and legally.

Click here to download a copy of these symbols & markings