Shared lane markers aka “sharrows” coming to Menlo Park on Menlo and University avenues

The City of Menlo Park will install shared lane markings or “sharrows” in the next few weeks on Menlo Avenue between El Camino Real and University Avenue and on University Avenue between Middle Avenue and Santa Cruz Avenue. The Menlo Park City Council approved the installation of the markings as a pilot project in July in support of the Menlo Park Bicycle Commission’s top priorities.

According to City Transportation Engineer Atul Patel, “shared lane markings are bicycle symbols carefully placed to guide bicyclists to the best place to ride on the road, avoid car doors and remind drivers to share the road with cyclists. Unlike bicycle lanes, shared lane markings do not designate a particular part of the street for the exclusive use of bicyclists. They are simply a marking to guide bicyclists to the best place to ride and help motorists expect to see and share the lane with bicyclists.”

Patel offered these tips for motorists and bicyclists when sharrows are present:
Motorists
• Expect to see bicyclists on the street
• Remember to give bicyclists three feet of space when passing
• Follow the rules of the road as if there were no shared lane markings
Bicyclists
• Use the shared lane markings to guide where you ride within the lane
• Remember not to ride too close to parked cars
• Follow the rules of the road as if there were no shared lane markings

For more information contact Atul at 650-330-6744.