Bike Lanes and Sharrows | Municipality of Kincardine

The Municipality of Kincardine is improving active transportation infrastructure to support safer and more accessible travel options for all road users, while expanding connections to key community destinations including local schools and the Davidson Centre.

As part of this initiative, bike lanes have been installed on portions of Russell Street and Durham Street, and sharrows (shared lane markings) are being installed on Queen Street between Durham Market Street South and Broadway Street.

What is a Sharrow?

A sharrow, or shared lane marking, is a pavement marking consisting of a bicycle symbol and chevrons painted directly on the roadway.

Sharrows are used on roads where cyclists and motorists share the same travel lane. They help guide cyclists to an appropriate riding position and remind motorists to expect cyclists on the roadway.

How do Sharrows work?

Bicycles and cars share the road
Cars wait behind bicycles until it is safe to pass
When passing, reduce speed and give at least one meter to a bicycle

Sharrow Locations

Queen Street between Durham Market Street South and Broadway Street
Sections of Russell Street and Durham Street where the road is too narrow for bike lanes, including bridges and narrow segments

Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are a dedicated space of the roadway for bicycles and are identified by pavement markings and signage.

Vehicles are not permitted to park or stop in a bike lane
Right-turning vehicles must yield to cyclists and pedestrians and turn only when safe

Bike Lane Locations

Kincardine Avenue (existing bike lanes)
Russell Street – Highway 21 to Princes Street (new bike lanes)
Durham Street – Highway 21 to Princes Street (new bike lanes)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are sharrows used?

Sharrows are used where dedicated bike lanes are not practical due to roadway width, existing infrastructure, or other design constraints.

They help:

Increase awareness of cyclists on the roadway
Encourage safe road-sharing behaviour
Improve cyclist positioning within the travel lane
Support active transportation connections within the community

How do I drive on a street with sharrows?

Sharrows (shared lane markings) indicate that cyclists and motorists share the same travel lane. Drivers should expect cyclists to be using the roadway and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

When driving on these streets:

Expect cyclists to be present within the travel lane
Do not pass unless it is safe and there is sufficient space
Leave at least one metre of space when passing, where possible
If there is not enough room to pass safely, remain behind the cyclist
Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes

Sharrows do not create a dedicated bicycle lane. Vehicles continue to use the roadway, but must do so with awareness of cyclists sharing the space.

How should cyclists use sharrows?

Sharrows indicate a shared travel lane and help identify a safe and visible riding position.

Cyclists should:

Travel in the same direction as traffic
Ride single file
Follow all traffic signals and signs
Position themselves where they are visible and predictable to drivers
Proceed through intersections as a vehicle would