SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-shared-lane-marking

A bicycle symbol with two arrowheads (chevrons) painted in a traffic lane tells drivers what?

Bicyclists may use the full lane, so share it.

  1. Bicyclists may ride in this lane ✔
  2. Bicycles are banned here
  3. This is a bike-only lane

Why: This shared lane marking, called a sharrow, warns that bicyclists can occupy the lane and shows riders where to ride. Cars may use the lane too.

Huh, didn't know that: A real bike lane is different: it is usually separated from traffic by a solid white line.

The dad joke
Why can't bicycles stand up on their own? They are two tired.
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References

Answer: Bicyclists may ride in this lane. This shared lane marking, called a sharrow, warns that bicyclists can occupy the lane and shows riders where to ride. Cars may use the lane too.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 Navigating the Roads www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads
    Shared roadway bicycle markings: Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 Navigating the Roads www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads
    Bicycle lanes are for bicyclists only and run alongside vehicle traffic. They are typically marked by a single solid white line and signs.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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