It appears there will soon be some discussion of whether to use the new “Bicycles May Use Full Lane” sign that was approved in the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
This sign would only be used on lanes less than 14′ wide, which are too narrow for a bicyclist and a motorist to safely travel side by side. On these types of roads, where there is no bike lane, would you rather see this new sign or the “Share the road” plaque/warning sign combo?
The MUTCD does give engineers a choice. Don’t let the picture sizes fool you, the yellow warning sign is bigger. Answer in the poll below.
Share the road photo by flickr user belboo.
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I prefer the “may use full lane” sign, because the other sign implies that the road was originally for cars only, and that bikes are an afterthought. The white sign is more appropriate, and says what kind of behaviour to expect from cyclists, whereas the yellow sign doesn’t make it clear that there isn’t enough room to travel side by side.
I think the yellow sign stands out more and would be seen from a greater distance. Additionally, it’d grab the attention of motorists more easily than the white one.
I agree with Brandt. To me the “bicycles may use full lane” sign lets motorists know that bikes, by law, can and will use the lane. The “share the road” sign doesn’t seem to be as powerful.
Can we get the “May Use Full Lane”in yellow? I think that would be best.
Bike May Use Full Lane! It lets motorists know outright that we’re allowed to be out there just like they are. The share the road implies that we are the one’s who must share and not the other way around.
all this is under the persumtion that drivers read signs.
Anon @ 4:42pm
If this is the mentality then why bother striping roads, installing traffic signals, stop signs, yield signs, directionals, etc…?
What anonymous said is partly true, its pretty easy to subconsciously ignore less important signs than say a red light. I definitely think bikes may use full lane is better, there really is no debate. Share the road is overused and particularly ignored.
No one really knows what yield signs mean, and by no one I mean the majority of the population that drives. Stop signs have become “make sure you can make it signs”. Traffic signals sort of work, as long as it is not for right turns, and lanes don’t mean a thing unless it is to show how many cars fit on the road.
Today’s driver passes a test that they completely forget within days or hours of passing it. As long as they don’t get into a major accident they think they know the law. I apologize if my previous post came across as antagonizing. I didn’t mean it to be, although I support this blog and its mission, I sometimes wonder if it is all for not. It is not like tony or the others are running for office, and even if they did and got elected they would last. Those special interest don’t like common sense or improved quality of life for common folk.
All for naught? Remember most of us work in the transportation field as professionals and we strive to make a difference wherever we can. Read the authors page for example.