Effects of Shared Lane Markings on Bicyclist and Motorist Behavior

The shared lane marking, also known as a “sharrow,” is a new pavement marking that is placed in a lane shared by drivers and bicyclists. The marking is designed to encourage bicyclists to ride at the safest position and to alert motorists to the possible presence of bicyclists. This study evaluates the impact of sharrows on bicyclist and motorist safety at three sites in Austin, Texas. Before-and-after data sets for each site were compared to determine whether safer conditions existed after the installation. Safe motorist behavior was defined by two factors: motorists did not encroach on adjacent lanes when passing, and motorists made complete lane changes when passing. Safe bicyclist behavior was defined by three factors: the bicyclists rode at the lane position indicated by the sharrow; the bicyclist did not ride outside of the lane; and the bicyclist did not ride alongside queues of stopped vehicles. The findings indicate that shared lane markings improved the safety for both bicyclists and motorists. After the installation of the shared lane markings, bicyclists rode further from the curb and closer toward the center of the lane. Motorists were shown to be less likely to pass, more likely to change lanes when passing, and were less likely to encroach on the adjacent lane when passing. The authors recommend that shared lane markings be considered for multilane facilities where the roadway cannot be reasonably adjusted to accommodate a dedicated bicycle lane. Shared lane markings should be placed in the center of the usable lanes unless it is possible for bicyclists and motorists to share the lane safely side-by-side.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/614107147
• Authors:
  • Brady, John
  • Loskorn, Jeff
  • Mills, Alison
  • Duthie, Jennifer
  • Machemehl, Randy B
• Publication Date: 2011-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 33-38
• Serial:
  • ITE Journal
  • Volume: 81
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • ISSN: 0162-8178
  • Serial URL: https://www.ite.org/publications/ite-journal/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Behavior; Cyclists; Drivers; Field studies; Highway safety; Road markings; Traffic lanes; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Shared-use lanes; Sharrows
• Geographic Terms: Austin (Texas)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01360713
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 25 2012 11:57AM