What’s up with sharrows?

This isn’t specifically Northside related, but I’ve had some people ask my what’s the deal with the new bicycle related markings on the roads in the Fan. Well they’re called sharrows, and here’s an explanation from the City:

Sharrows are shared lane markings that are utilized to improve bicycling conditions on roads where designated bike lanes are either infeasible or inappropriate due to traffic conditions. Sharrows are a simple, yet visible way of improving conditions for bicyclists while also reinforcing safe and appropriate bicycling habits which in turn make bicyclists more predictable in mixed traffic conditions. The pilot sharrows are located at regular intervals in both directions.

Sharrows consist of a large chevron and bicycle symbol. From start to finish the project will cost about $775,000, with most of the funds coming from the Federal Government grant for “congestion mitigation air quality” projects. Funds for sharrows are also in the city’s capital improvement plan for Fiscal Year 2012, which was approved by Richmond City Council following the recommendations of the Mayor’s Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission.

Sharrows will be rolled out in other parts of the City (including Northside) in 2012. There’s a good conversation going on over at Fan of the Fan if you’ve got some thoughts or questions!