What does a "sharrow" signify?

A "sharrow," short for shared lane marking, is used to indicate that both bicycles and motor vehicles are allowed to use the lane. This symbol is designed to remind drivers that they should expect to see cyclists on the roadway and to encourage cyclists to take the lane when necessary for their safety. It is often marked on the pavement with a stencil depicting a bicycle and two chevrons above it. The presence of a sharrow is particularly important in areas where dedicated bike lanes are not available, helping to promote awareness and shared usage of the roadway. This marking alerts all road users to be mindful of one another, facilitating a safer sharing of the road.