Sharrows
FAQs
What are the Easy Ride Routes?
Easy Ride Routes are a network of low stress cycling routes across Whitehorse. The aim is to encourage more residents to ride a bike for short, local trips.
The routes mainly use quieter local roads, while also using sections of informal paths through local parks and reserves.
On local roads, the routes use several different bicycle road markings that encourage drivers to be aware of people on bikes. The markings also help direct bicycle riders along routes that have low traffic volumes and speeds to make riding safer and more pleasant for everyone.
Will any more Easy Ride Routes be built in Whitehorse?
At this stage, we’re looking to improve the existing Easy Ride Route network to make sure it’s as safe and comfortable as possible. We’re also looking at opportunities to expand the network in the future. If there are destinations you'd like to get to using the Easy Ride Route network, please let us know.
What are the different markings along Easy Ride Routes?
There are a few of different types of bicycle symbols that make up the Easy Ride Routes.
A ‘Sharrow’ is a road marking that encourages bike riders to move to the centre of a traffic lane and ‘claim the lane’. These are installed in locations where the road narrows due to a traffic treatment like a roundabout or traffic island. It’s important for a bike rider to ‘claim the lane’ to prevent a driver from overtaking where there isn’t enough room, which could cause the bike rider to be squeezed off the road.
Directional Arrows
A directional marking is a bicycle symbol with a left or right arrow, indicating the route turns and helping bike rides follow the Easy Ride Route.
Bike Reminder Signs
The reminder bicycle symbols are the bicycle symbol without any arrows.
These are symbols are to remind drivers to watch out for bike riders along this section of road. They are placed near the centre of the road so that they are not covered by a parked car, or mistaken for an exclusive-use bike lane.
Small Bike Symbols
Small Bike Symbols are used to show where the Easy Ride Route leaves the road and uses the footpath or an off-road shared path.
Footpaths are occasionally used to direct riders to safer road crossings, such as pedestrian operated signals to cross a main road. Riders will often be required to dismount when using a footpath.
Footpath Decals
Footpath Decals are used to help direct riders where to go for short sections on the footpath. Footpaths are occasionally used to direct riders to safer road crossings, such as pedestrian operated signals to cross a main road.