Shared-lane bicycle pavement markings, sometimes called "sharrows," have been installed on Drillfield Drive. It's part of Virginia Tech's effort to make campus safe for multiple modes of travel, encourage healthy lifestyles, and advocate for environmentally friendly transportation.

The markings are stencils of a bicycle with two chevron symbols above that  occupy the center of the lane. They are used to remind motorists that bicyclists are permitted to use the full lane. Even where there are no sharrows or bike lanes, motorists should always share the road.

Sharrows are just one of the bike friendly initiatives in place to encourage students, employees, and community members to consider alternative methods of transportation. 

Nearly 13 percent of students, faculty, and staff report that they ride a bike to and from work. The national average is below 3 percent, according to the 2014 American Commuter Survey. 

Bicyclists

Sharing the road means bicyclists should:

  • Ride predictably
  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Watch for motorists when making lane changes and turns
  • Ride in the correct direction of travel at all times

Motorists

Sharing the road means motorists should:

  • Drive predictably
  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Watch for bicyclists when making lane changes and turns
  • When parked, check for bicyclists before opening vehicle doors
  • Be respectful of both bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Be aware that bicyclists are vulnerable to different hazards than drivers (e.g. minor pot holes and debris), so give them space to maneuver.

In 2013, Virginia Tech was designated a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. Each year since 2010, the university has been awarded gold in Best Workplaces for Commuters Race to Excellence. In 2014, the university was also recognized in the "Best of" categories for universities in the Best Workplaces for Commuters Race to Excellence.

For more information about alternative transportation contact Mackenzie Jarvis at 540-231 2701.

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