This guide summarizes the MUTCD requirements and practical application guidance for the W9-5a BICYCLES MERGING sign. Use this resource to understand when it is required, how to place it correctly, and how to maintain clear visibility for safe operations.
Work zones that close or interrupt a bike lane
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Mount at the standard height and setback for the roadway with clear sight lines.
High reflectivity and clear sight lines are essential day and night.
Warns drivers that bicyclists may merge into or share the travel lane ahead, prompting added caution where a bike facility is interrupted.
Warns drivers that bicyclists may merge into or share the travel lane ahead, prompting added caution where a bike facility is interrupted. 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.
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.
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.
Go to California NotesEducational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.
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