SHARED LANES COMING TO
WOOLASTOOK DRIVE AND INGLEWOOD DRIVE


1. What is a shared lane?

Shared lanes are like regular traffic lanes but built to a wider standard.  Painted on these lanes are bike symbols and directional arrows (sharrows) designed to remind cyclists and motorists to share the road.


2. Why do we need shared lanes?

Shared lanes improve safety by directing cyclists to move further away from the curb or parked cars.  Shared lanes act as a reminder for motorists to look out for cyclists and give them a visual indication as to how much space to give when passing a cyclist.


3. How do I use a shared lane?

Cyclists:  Travel in the same direction as traffic following the same rules of the road as other vehicles.  Cyclists are generally expected to travel as close to the edge of the road as reasonably possible.

Motorists:  Drive carefully, knowing that you are sharing the road with cyclists.  If cyclists are not present, drive in the travel lane as you normally would.  If cyclists are present, simply slow down and pass with care.  When passing, please be careful not to endanger yourself, the cyclist or oncoming traffic.  If traffic is heavy, please be patient and wait for a suitable time to pass the cyclist.

4. How do I make a right turn through a shared lane?

The same rules of the road apply if you were changing lanes or turning right at an intersection:  Signal your intention.  Check for cyclists in your right-hand mirrors and do a right-shoulder check.  If there is a cyclist in the shared lane, use your best judgment as to whether turning onto a side street or driveway will affect said cyclist.  If it will, be courteous and wait for the cyclist to pass.  If there is no danger to the cyclist, proceed cautiously through the shared lane.  Do not make your right turn until you’ve checked for cyclists.

5. Why shared lanes instead of bike lanes?

Shared lanes are used on streets where bike lanes are not possible due to insufficient width of the roadway or significant parking concerns.  Typically, they are installed on streets with lower traffic volumes.

6. Do cyclists have to ride over the shared lane markings?

No.  The marking simply shows where cyclists would be expected to ride under ordinary conditions.  If turning left, passing other cyclists, or avoiding potholes cyclists may position themselves away from the street markings.