Univ of Utah/UDOT install sharrows on South Campus Drive

Shared lane markings were added to South Campus Drive
at the University of Utah this week.
(Photo: Tom Millar / SaltCycle.org)

After years of pressure from intelligible University planners, bicyclists, professors, and others, the University of Utah and UDOT have made some considerable progress to making the arterial roads surrounding the U more bike-friendly and more safe for all users.

(Click for full-size version
of UDOT's application plans.)

UDOT repaved South Campus Drive from end to end (University Street on the west, to Mario Capecchi Drive on the east) as part of a "pavement preservation project" that included ADA (wheelchair) ramp enhancements along the full length of the road, and added shared lane markings to the curb-side lane for downhill as well as uphill bicycle traffic. The shared lane markings, or sharrows, are one of the simplest and easiest forms of "infrastructure" to implement because it does not require a road diet and is simply paint or themoplastic in the lane. The sharrow indicates to motorists that bicyclists may (and in the University's case, will) be in the lane. Without sharrows, bicyclists may still use the full lane, but the symbols provide a little extra emphasis on the fact.


How to use sharrows:

In Salt Lake City, the Transportation Division usually placed sharrows in the lateral center of the lane, indicating that the bicyclists may use the full lane and should position him or herself in the center where the sharrow is. As pictured, UDOT's sharrows on South Campus Dr were installed on the right side of the curbside lane. These sharrows are more to indicate to motorists that bicyclists will be present on the road and that they have a right to be there. Unlike a bike lane or cycle track, you are sharing the space with motorists. Ride predictably and in a manner that will keep you safe and not keep motorists guessing where you'll go next.

For more pictures and info on sharrows and new bike rack stickers, read after the break.



The sharrows are made out of thermoplastic, a pre-formed symbol that is melted to the pavement, which, in theory, will last longer than paint. The sharrows are placed about 150 feet apart, with 12 on the uphill (eastbound) side, and 8 on the downhill (westbound) side of the road. Even though South Campus Drive was repaved further west till University Street, the sharrows begin/end at the roundabout near Guardsman Way & South Campus Drive, a vital intersection and access point to the University of Utah for bicyclists. Hopefully, UDOT will install more sharrows on the west side of the roundabout (at least in the one-lane downhill section) to further encourage bicyclists to take the lane where space is very limited.

This is looking downhill (toward the west) just east of the LDS Institute (~1900 East)
(Photo: Tom Millar / SaltCycle.org)

The University of Utah is making good headway on their Bicycle Master Plan, produced by Alta Planning & Design this last year, by implementing this project - one of the "short term plans" outlined in the plan. However, sharrows are not the end all be all. Medium term and long term plans suggest separated bicycle infrastructure that will make the connection to, and circumvention of, the University much easier and safer for all users.

We congratulate the University of Utah and UDOT for making great strides in improving this road for bicyclists. We look forward to seeing more improvements in the future.

For the full picture set of each of the sharrows and approach to South Campus Drive, visit our photostream.


In addition to UDOT's work on the roads, U of U Commuter Services has placed a few stickers on each bike rack to instruct bicyclists on proper locking techniques and how to prevent theft. Thanks guys!

Univ of Utah Commuter Services placed these informative stickers
on how to lock your bike properly on many rack around campus.
(Photo: Tom Millar / SaltCycle.org)

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