Research: "Share the Road" signs interpreted by motorists to mean "cyclists get out of the way" | Streetsblog USA

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

Delaware got rid of its “Share the Road” signs about two years ago. Though the signs were designed to affirm cyclists’ rights to the road, they were widely misinterpreted — by both motorists and cyclists — as an exhortation to cyclists to stop “hogging” the road, or as a recommendation that drivers and cyclists share a lane (leading to tight squeezes and close passes).

Bike Delaware concluded that “Share The Road” is just “‘feel good’ signage that placates an interest group but has no safety benefit.” And the state dumped the confusing message in favor of a less ambiguous one asserting that bicycles “may use full lane.”

A new survey confirms that Delaware had the right idea — and other states should follow suit. In all 50 states, cyclists have a right to the road — including the center of the lane, if that’s the safest place for them to be.

Link: 

Research: "Share the Road" signs interpreted by motorists to mean "cyclists get out of the way" | Streetsblog USA

MoBikeFed comment: When working for approval of the "Bicycle Missouri" license plates several years ago, the initial proposal was to make them "Share the Road" license plates.

Due to similar concerns to the those expressed in this article, the plate designed was changed to include the motto "Same Roads - Same Rights" and a graphic depiction of a cyclists, rather than "Share the Road".

Looks like that was the right decision . . .

http://mobikefed.org/plates

http://mobikefed.org/plates