BICYCLES MERGING Sign Requirements

1. When a BICYCLES MERGING Sign Is Used

Warns drivers that bicyclists may merge into or share the travel lane ahead, prompting added caution where a bike facility is interrupted.

• Work zones that close or interrupt a bike lane
• Locations where cyclists merge into the travel lane
• Used with bicycle detour / accommodation signing

2. How and Where It Applies

In the field, W9-5a Bicycles Merging is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include work zones that close or interrupt a bike lane; locations where cyclists merge into the travel lane; used with bicycle detour / accommodation signing. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

3. Placement and Application Notes

Position W9-5a advance warning area, ahead of the work.

• Place the sign where drivers have a clear, unobstructed view on approach.
• Mount at the standard height and setback from the edge of the traveled way.
• Do not mount with other signs on the same post unless space constraints require it.

4. Standard Sizes and Visibility Considerations

Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.

• Choose size based on roadway speed, sight distance, and mounting location.
• Maintain high retroreflectivity for maximum night and adverse-weather visibility.

5. California Notes

Used where a work zone closes or interrupts a bike lane and cyclists must merge into the travel lane, as part of the temporary bicycle accommodation on a California TCP.

6. Common Field or Planning Mistakes

• Sign not shown at the correct advance distance for the posted speed.
• Advance warning sign missing or out of sequence on the TCP.
• Wrong size specified for the roadway classification (conventional vs. expressway).
• Sign sheeting / retroreflectivity class not noted on the plan.