New signs for bicycles on Lawrence and Douglas County roadways should make streets safer for bicyclists and motorists alike.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee recommended the new bicycle signs, which have been approved by the city and county. The committee identified 50 priority locations for signs in Lawrence and Douglas County. The estimated cost is $28,000, split evenly between the city and county.

Committee leaders say the goal is to help improve safety.

“The idea is that we educate both cyclists and drivers as to the correct interaction between bikes and cars, so that everybody can use the road as safely as possible,” said Lisa Hallberg, chair of the committee.

The signs say “Bikes May Use Full Lane” and “3-Foot Passing.” The signs are meant to make motorists and bicyclists aware of state laws giving bicyclists the same rights as motorists when traveling on roadways and requiring motorists to keep vehicles at least three feet away from bicyclists that they are passing.

The “Bikes May Use Full Lane” signs will be added to roads where there are no designated bike lanes or multi-use paths. The signs will also be added on roads where the lane is not wide enough for a motorist to pass a cyclist with the minimum buffer of three feet, such as within roundabouts.

The “3-Foot Passing” signs will be added on arterial or collector streets that serve as key entry points into the community, as well as county roads where bicyclists must ride on the shoulder or in the roadway. Examples include Sixth Street and Bob Billings Parkway in the city and roads between Lawrence and Lone Star Lake, which are popular with cyclists.

Priority locations were selected because they are on designated bike routes or locations where interactions between motorists and cyclists are likely to occur. The new signs are part of an effort to make the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

The signs are a small but worthy investment. Given the tensions that can arise between motorists and cyclists, it seems sensible to remind everyone of Kansas laws encouraging cyclists and motorists to share the road.