As a motorist, what should you do in the presence of sharrows?

In the presence of sharrows, it is essential to slow down and yield to bicycles. Sharrows are lane markings that indicate a shared lane for both bicycles and motor vehicles, reminding drivers that cyclists are expected to use that portion of the road. This signage promotes the safe coexistence of both types of road users, highlighting the importance of sharing the roadway.

By slowing down and yielding to bicycles, motorists demonstrate their awareness of the presence of cyclists and their right to navigate safely within the lane. This helps to prevent accidents and ensures that cyclists feel safer and more visible while riding.

While stopping for cyclists might seem considerate, it can lead to confusion for both the motorist and the cyclist if there is no designated stop. Additionally, speeding up when passing cyclists can create dangerous situations, as it puts the cyclist at risk of being sidelined or struck. Ignoring bicycles in the lane undermines the purpose of sharrows and can increase the likelihood of accidents. Overall, yielding to bicycles by slowing down is the best practice for safe road sharing.