FAQs • Steamboat Springs, CO • CivicEngage

Where did the Sharrows come from?: All traffic signs and markings are established by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Like any new sign included in the MUTCD, the Sharrow was studied for several years before approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) in 2009. Fort Collins, CO has been using the Sharrow for over four years and was part of the FHA test program. Fort Collins and other test communities found that sharrows help both motorists and bicyclists to use the road more effectively and safely. Steamboat City Council approved the sharrows as a tool to help road users learn to Share the Road and maximize our existing infrastructure.

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Public Works

Shared Lane Markings or “Sharrows” are street markings placed on City streets as an awareness tool as part of the County-wide Share the Road program.

The Sharrow is intended to:

Provide guidance to bicyclists as to where they should ride on a shared roadway (as far to the right as practicable, away from open doors of parked vehicles, not weaving in and out of traffic; riding with traffic, etc.).
Alert motorists to the possible presence of bicyclists and remind motorists that by law vehicles and bicycles must share the road.

2. Do Sharrows establish a bike lane? Can I drive over them?: The pavement markings do NOT establish a dedicated bike lane to be used for bicycling only. Bike Lanes are separated from vehicular traffic with a solid white lane line and denote an area where other vehicles cannot drive, park, or stand. Bike Lanes require wider pavement to install and can be found on 7th Street, Yampa Street, and Oak Street.

The new Sharrow is different – it is an awareness tool on narrower roads where bikes and other vehicles must share the same space. Motorists drive in the travel lane over the symbol. The mark is simply a reminder to be alert for the potential presence of cyclists.

3. What if I have to cross a double yellow line to pass a bicyclist riding in the travel lane marked with Sharrows?: The Colorado Bicycle Safety Act of 2009 includes a provision to allow motorists to cross over a double yellow line to pass a bicyclist when it is safe to do so. Drivers should be patient and look ahead to pass in an area where they can see if there is on coming traffic. Cyclists should be considerate and ride as far right as practicable, especially in curvy sections of road. Motorists are required by law to provide at least three (3) feet of space between their vehicles and bicyclists. ( CRS 42 4 1003(b)).

4. As a bicyclist, do I ride on the Sharrows?: The sharrow is guide for both motorists and bicyclists. Where adjacent to a parking lane, the sharrow is a tool to help ride a safe distance away from car doors; providing vehicles are properly parked. As a cyclist you are required to ride as far to the right as you judge is safe to ride; regardless of where the sharrows are located.

5. Where did the Sharrows come from?: All traffic signs and markings are established by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Like any new sign included in the MUTCD, the Sharrow was studied for several years before approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) in 2009. Fort Collins, CO has been using the Sharrow for over four years and was part of the FHA test program. Fort Collins and other test communities found that sharrows help both motorists and bicyclists to use the road more effectively and safely. Steamboat City Council approved the sharrows as a tool to help road users learn to Share the Road and maximize our existing infrastructure.