From March 1, 2021, four new types of road markings can be legally applied to increase road safety on public roads in Romania.

In Romania, the possibility of creating the simplest and cheapest infrastructure for bicycles opens with a new road marking "suggested route for bicycles" (known worldwide as "sharrows").

„The main purpose of these road markings is to increase the visual impact about the presence of bicycles on the road, but also to draw the attention of cyclists and drivers to the shared use of the lane,” said Alina Niculescu from National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism in Romania.

This road marking reminds drivers that the public road must be used by all vehicles (the bicycle being a vehicle) and directs cyclists to engage correctly when traveling:

• the circulation of bicycles is done in the middle of the lane when the road is narrow, and the vehicles cannot exceed them without endangering the cyclist;
• directs the bikes when cornering, in order to not "cutting the turn" and putting the cyclist in a dangerous situation;
• directs the cyclist not to drive in the door opening area, when the traffic is near car parks;
• warns drivers about the existence of a one-way street, open to bicycles traffic.

In addition to the "sharrows" markings, the "keep lateral distance from bicycles" marking was also adopted. This type of marking is used to warn drivers about the need to keep a lateral distance, which does not endanger bicycle users.

As previous surveys showed the pictograms of cyclist have a strong positive effect on drivers´ consideration towards cyclists. The signs therefore contribute both to safety and to promotion of the cycling transport.

According to National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism, these road markings will be useful both for cyclists and drivers, as it could change both the behaviour of cyclists (who will keep a bigger distance from the side of the road) and the behaviour of drivers (who will rarely engage in overtaking and will keep a bigger distance from cyclists). „Cyclists and drivers need to understand each other, to protect each other and to use in common the available resource,“ concluded Niculescu adding the final wish: „We hope that local authorities will use these new road markings and will get involved for the good of their communities.“

About the new signs

These road markings were proposed by the OPTAR association (Organization for the Promotion of Alternative Transport in Romania) and were approved by the Romanian Association for Standardization.  

According to OPTAR, in most cities of Romania the bicycle infrastructure was built on sidewalks (for more than 10 years), even if the minimum safety conditions are not respected. For the current degree of development of bicycle infrastructure in Romania, this marking will be extremely useful, the authors believe.

It should be noted that the application of these road markings is optional, each local administration having the freedom to protect its inhabitants (or not).