Rock Island pavement markings show safe lane for bikes

Special pavement markings are being installed on streets in Rock Island, Illinois to increase drivers’ attention to sharing the road with bicyclists.

The markings, called “sharrows,” are being installed four feet from the curb where there is no on-street parking and 11 feet from the curb where parking is permitted. 

“Sharrows let motorists know that they may see bicyclists more often on a particular road,” said Ed Barsotti, Executive Director of League of Illinois Bicyclists.  “Sharrows also tell cyclists where best to position themselves on the road.”

The sharrow markings are on the right side of the road since it is illegal and unsafe to ride a bicycle against the flow of traffic.

Bikeway improvements are being installed in these locations in Rock Island:

20^th Street:  1^st to 7^th Avenue:  A 10 foot wide off-street bike/pedestrian path will be constructed along the east side of 20^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues.  Sharrows will be installed along both sides of 20^th Street between 2^nd and 7^th Avenues.  The project will connect the existing 7^th Avenue bike lanes to the Great River Trail via its 20^th Street entrance and provides a connection to the downtown area.

17^th/20^th Streets:  7^th to 31^st Avenue:  Sharrows will be installed along both sides of 20^th Street, from 7^th to 18^th Avenues, and 17^th Street from 18^th to 31^st Avenues. This project will provide a major north/south bike route through the city connecting the downtown area with various residential areas.

31^st Avenue:  Sunset Park to 38^th Street:  Sharrows will be installed along both sides of 31^st Avenue from Sunset Park to 38^th Street. This project will provide a major east/west bike route through the city connecting residential areas with existing/proposed bike ways and the Great River Trail at Sunset Park.

38^th Street from 31^st to 45^th Avenue, 45^th Avenue from 38^th to 44^th Street and 44^th Street from 45^th Avenue to Ben Williamson Park:  Sharrows will be installed along both sides of the following corridors: 38^th Street from 31^st to 45^th Avenue, 45^th Avenue from 38^th to 44^th Street, and 44^th Street from 45^th Avenue to Ben Williamson Park.  This project will provide a major bike route through the city connecting residential areas with new Ben Williamson Connector Bike Path.