Sharrows: Facts And Fiction
As Warsaw continues to develop a bike-walk program, local bicycle enthusiasts are doing what they can to help bring awareness to motorists and cyclists alike about the safety of sharing the roads.
The city of Warsaw has obtained grants to create bicycle lanes along Smith Street and are continuing to expand the bike routes along McKinley Street, where a trailhead park will also be created.
When completed, more than 55 signs will be erected to clearly let both motorists and cyclists know where the shared sections of road will be and where the designated bike lanes will be.
The KCV Cycling Club of Warsaw is wasting no time in promoting the safety and wants the public to know what is fact and what is fiction where bicyclists sharing the roads are concerned.
Fact or Fiction: In a Sharrow, the cyclists are separated from traffic by a special lane? FICTION!
Fact or Fiction: In a Sharrow, the cyclist must ride as far to the right as possible? FICTION!
Fact or Fiction: In a Sharrow, the cyclist has the right to ride anywhere in the lane? FACT!
Fact or Fiction: A Sharrow does not give cyclists any additional information? FICTION!
Fact or Fiction: Motor vehicles are allowed to drive in the area marked by Sharrows? FACT!
A Sharrow is a marking that gives information to both motor vehicle drivers and cyclists. Drivers should expect to see cyclists sharing the lane with them; they should follow the normal rules of the road, and when passing a cyclist the driver should do so at a safe constant speed allowing 3 feet of space between their vehicle and the cyclist. Don’t forget about your mirrors! Your side view mirrors extend out farther than the sides of your car. Hitting a cyclist with your mirror will cause them to fall resulting in serious injury or death.
Unlike a bike lane where cyclists are given a specific travel lane, a Sharrow acts more like a signed “Share the Road” lane, giving all vehicles equal access to the lane.
However, Sharrows are different in that the on road markings indicate to cyclists the safest travel lane when traveling straight. For example, Sharrow markings – like those now on Winona Avenue from Smith Street – are placed far enough into the lane to safely segregate cyclists from parked cars. If you have ever been cycling at 15-plus mph and had the driver of a parked car open their door in front of you, you already understand how important it is to take Sharrow placement seriously.
Cyclists should follow the rules of the road, for example moving left when making a left turn, and should travel in the Sharrow area whenever it is safe to do so.
Motorists and cyclists can safely coexist when everyone is courteous, cautious, and most importantly follow the rules.