914.1 General (MUTCD Chapter 9A)

914.1.1 General (MUTCD Section 9A.01)

Support. MoDOT only adopts those portions of the National MUTCD that are relevant to state-maintained highways. MoDOT does not typically install or maintain traffic control devices for shared-use paths or green pavement markings for bicycle facilities. For these reasons, MUTCD content related to these items is not included in the EPG. These devices may be installed and maintained by other agencies with district approval. Practitioners should reference the National MUTCD for provisions related to traffic control devices that are not included in the EPG.

EPG 914 covers signs and pavement markings specifically related to bicycle operation on roadways, separated bikeways, and shared-use paths. In jurisdictions where small, low-speed, human or electric-powered transportation devices (often referred to as a micromobility devices) are allowed to use bicycle facilities, they can be regulated by signs, pavement markings, and other traffic control devices related to bicycle operations. EPG 902 contains information on highway traffic signals and bicycle signal faces. EPG 616 contains information on work zones for bicycle facilities and the mitigation of impacts to bicycle travel through work zones.

Definitions and acronyms pertaining to EPG 914 are provided in EPG 911.

When operating on a roadway, bicycles are typically defined as vehicles and the operator of a bicycle is given the same rights and duties as an operator of a motor vehicle. Bicyclists are also vulnerable road users who have little to no protection from crash forces.

Designing bicycle facilities and the traffic control devices on those facilities in a manner that encourages predictable behavior and compliance with traffic laws from all roadway users can improve safety and increase public acceptance of bicyclists from other road users. The misuse of traffic control devices for improperly designed bicycle facilities or non-uniform applications can produce ineffective or counterproductive results. EPG 911 provides more information on the importance of uniformity of traffic control devices.

The “Bikeway Selection Guide” (FHWA-SA-18-077), FHWA, provides information on the designs and configuration of bicycle facilities.

The operation of bicycles is generally allowed on rights-of-way open to motor vehicles, even if the bicycle-specific traffic control devices outlined in EPG 914 are not present.

Guidance. All signs, signals, and markings, including those on bicycle facilities, should be properly maintained to command respect from all road users. When installing signs and markings on bicycle facilities, an agency should be designated to maintain these devices.

914.1.2 Standardization of Application for Signing (MUTCD Section 9A.02)

Support. The installation of nonstandard signing on bikeways or modifying standard signing in a manner inconsistent with EPG 903.1 to draw special attention, educate users or the community, or brand a bicycle facility can contribute to problems with public acceptance and enforcement.

Standard. Bicycle signs shall comply with the provisions of the EPG for standard shape, legend, and color.

All signs installed on bikeways shall be retroreflective, including those on shared-use paths and bicycle lane facilities.

Where signs serve both bicyclists and other road users, vertical mounting height and lateral placement shall be as provided in EPG 903.1.15 and 903.1.16.

Guidance. Where used on a shared-use path, no portion of a sign or its support should be placed less than 2 feet laterally from the near edge of the path.

Mounting height for post-mounted signs on shared-use paths should be a minimum of 4 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the path surface.

Signs for the exclusive use of bicyclists should be located so that other road users are not confused by them.

Standard. If the sign or plaque applies to motorists and bicyclists, then the size shall be as shown for conventional roads in Tables 903.2.1, 903.3.1, 903.4.1, and 913.2.1, as applicable.

The minimum sign and plaque sizes for signs specific to bicycle-only facilities and shared-use paths shall be those shown in Table 914.5.2. These sizes shall be used only for signs and plaques installed specifically for bicyclist applications.

Option. Larger sizes of signs and plaques may be used on bicycle facilities when appropriate (see EPG 903.1.7).

Any diamond-shaped warning sign that is placed such that it is applicable only to bicyclists or pedestrians on shared-use paths or separated bicycle lanes may be 18” x 18”.

Guidance. Except for size, the design of signs and plaques for bicycle facilities should be identical to that provided in the EPG for signs and plaques for streets and highways.

Support. Uniformity in design of bicycle signs and plaques includes shape, color, symbols, arrows, wording, lettering, and illumination or retroreflectivity.

Sign or Plaque	Sign Designation	EPG Article	Off Roadway	Roadway (in. x in.)
Stop	R1-1	914.2.1	18 x 18	-
Bike Lane	R3-17	914.2.3	-	30 x 24
Bike Lane Ahead (plaque)	R3-17aP	914.2.3	-	30 x 12
Bike Lane Ends (plaque)	R3-17bP	914.2.3	-	30 x 12
Begin Right Turn Lane Yield to Bikes	R4-4	914.2.4	-	36 x 30
No Motor Vehicles	R5-3	914.2.5	-	24 x 24
Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane	R9-20	914.2.6	-	30 x 30
Bicycles Use Shoulder Only	R9-21	914.2.7	-	24 x 30
Push Button for Green	R10-4	914.2.8	9 x 12	9 x 12
Push Button for Warning Lights - Wait for Gap	R10-25	914.2.8	9 x 12	9 x 12
Bicycle Lane Ends	W9-5	914.3.2	-	30 x 30
Bicycle Warning	W11-1	914.3.1	-	36 x 36
Trail Crossing	W11-15	914.3.1	-	36 x 36
In Road (plaque)	W16-1P	914.3.3	-	24 x 18
XX Feet (plaque)	W16-2P	914.3.3	-	18 x 12
Downward Diagonal Arrow (plaque)	W16-7P	914.3.3	-	30 x 21
Ahead (plaque)	W16-9P	914.3.3	-	30 x 18
Bike Route	D11-1	914.4.1	-	24 x 18
US Bicycle Route	M1-9	914.4.2	-	18 x 24
Bicycle Route Arrow (Left/Right)	M7-1	914.4.4	-	12 x 9
Bicycle Route Arrow (Straight)	M7-2	914.4.4	-	12 x 9
Bicycle Route Arrow Signs (45° Left)	M7-4L	914.4.4	-	12 x 9
Bicycle Route Arrow Signs (45° Right)	M7-4R	914.4.4	-	12 x 9
Notes: Larger signs may be used when appropriate Dimensions are shown as width x height

914.1.3 Standardization of Application for Markings (MUTCD Section 9A.03)

Support. Markings indicate the separation of the lanes for road users, assist the bicyclist by indicating assigned travel paths, indicate correct position for traffic control signal actuation, and provide advance information for turning and crossing maneuvers.

Guidance. Pavement marking word messages, symbols, and/or arrows should be used in bikeways where appropriate.

Consideration should be given to selecting pavement marking materials that will minimize loss of traction for bicycles under wet conditions.

Standard. Pavement markings on bicycle facilities that must be visible at night or in low-light conditions shall be retroreflective unless the markings are adequately visible under provided lighting.

The colors, width of lines, patterns of lines, symbols, and arrows used for marking bicycle facilities shall be as defined in EPG 620.

Support. EPG 620.7.6 contains information on green-colored pavement for use with certain traffic control devices for bicycles and bicycle facilities.

MoDOT does not typically install or maintain green colored pavement for bicycle lanes.

Guidance. If green colored pavement is installed on a MoDOT route, an agreement should be in place with the local agency that will maintain the green-colored pavement.

Support. EPG 914.5.10 contains information on the use of channelizing devices to emphasize the pavement markings for bicycle facilities.

Guidance. Raised pavement markers should not be used on bicycle lanes or shared-use paths.

If used around bicycle facilities, raised pavement markers should not be placed immediately adjacent to the travel path of bicyclists in a bicycle lane or on a shared-use path.

Support. Using raised pavement markers creates a collision potential for bicyclists by placing fixed objects immediately adjacent to the travel path of the bicyclist. Raised pavement markers can cause a bicyclist to lose balance and fall, and might not be visible to a bicyclist who is following another bicyclist.