Sharrows—also known as shared lane markings—are a common sight on New York City streets, but they remain widely misunderstood. For cyclists, drivers, and anyone involved in a New York bicycle accident, understanding what sharrows mean is critical for both safety and legal accountability.
As Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP, we regularly see cases where confusion about sharrows leads to preventable crashes. This article explains what sharrows are, why they exist, and how they affect cyclists’ legal rights in New York.
What Are Sharrows?
A sharrow is a pavement marking consisting of a bicycle symbol topped by two chevrons. Unlike a dedicated bike lane, sharrows are painted directly within a travel lane.
In New York City, sharrows signal that:
• The lane is intended to be shared by bicycles and motor vehicles
• Cyclists are legally permitted to ride in the center of the lane
• Drivers should expect regular bicycle traffic
Sharrows are commonly used on streets where road width or traffic conditions do not allow for a protected or striped bike lane.
Why the City Uses Sharrows
Sharrows serve specific safety and planning purposes in dense urban environments like New York City.
Encouraging Safe Riding Position
Sharrows are positioned to guide cyclists away from parked cars and the door zone, one of the leading causes of serious NYC bicycle injuries.
“Doored While Biking in NYC? What Cyclists Need to Know”
Increasing Driver Awareness
Shared lane markings alert drivers that cyclists have a legitimate right to occupy the lane. This visibility helps reduce unsafe passing and sideswipe collisions.
“Unsafe Passing Laws in New York: How Close Is Too Close?”
Reinforcing Cyclists’ Legal Rights
New York law allows cyclists to use the roadway like any other vehicle. Sharrows reinforce that cyclists are not required to hug the curb or yield to faster traffic when it would be unsafe.
“New York Bicycle Laws: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Cyclist”
What Sharrows Do Not Mean
Sharrows do not:
• Create a protected or exclusive bike lane
• Give drivers permission to pass within the same lane
• Require cyclists to move aside for motor vehicles
• Automatically assign fault to cyclists after a crash
This distinction matters in bicycle accident claims, where drivers often argue—incorrectly—that a cyclist “did not belong” in the lane.
Sharrows and New York Traffic Law
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law:
• Bicycles are considered vehicles
• Cyclists have the same right to the lane as motorists
• Drivers must pass cyclists at a safe distance
• Cyclists may “take the lane” when the lane is too narrow to share safely
When sharrows are present, they reinforce that a cyclist was riding lawfully, visibly, and predictably.
“Who Is at Fault in a New York Bicycle Accident?”
Common Bicycle Accidents Involving Sharrows
Sharrows frequently appear in cases involving:
• Unsafe passing by motor vehicles
• Right-hook crashes at intersections
• Dooring accidents next to parked cars
• Drivers failing to yield or look for cyclists
In these situations, sharrows help establish that the driver should have anticipated bicycle traffic.
“Intersection Bike Accidents in NYC: Causes and Liability”
Why Sharrows Matter in Bicycle Injury Cases
From a legal perspective, sharrows help show:
• Foreseeability of cyclists in the roadway
• Reasonable lane positioning by the cyclist
• Negligence by drivers who fail to slow, yield, or pass safely
For injured cyclists, this can make a meaningful difference when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries.
“What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New York City”
For injured cyclists, this can make a meaningful difference when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. If you need assistance, contact Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP at (888) 290-5994 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Shared Streets Mean Shared Responsibility
Sharrows are a clear reminder that New York City streets are shared spaces. Cyclists belong in the roadway, and drivers must operate with that reality in mind.
When drivers ignore shared lane markings and cause preventable crashes, legal accountability becomes essential.