Warning signs · W11-1
Bicycle sign
Archive file: W11-01 Bicycle/W11-01 Bicycle 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
Watch for bicycles entering the road.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.54, paragraph 01, PDF page 232.
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Meaning
Bicycle warns that people riding bicycles may cross or enter your travel path. PennDOT’s crossing example calls for readiness to slow. The warning identifies a possible conflict; it does not mean bicycles must stay out of the roadway whenever a motor vehicle approaches.
What to do
Watch for bicycle movements and leave room. Pennsylvania requires a minimum passing clearance of 4 feet and prohibits turning across the path of someone riding straight on the road or shoulder. Those are two separate decisions: room beside the bicycle and protection of its forward path.
Where it is used
Federal guidance uses this warning where bicycle entry is unexpected or visibility is restricted. A companion AHEAD or distance panel can provide advance notice; at a marked crossing location, a downward arrow identifies the crossing point. Read the smaller plaque to tell whether the conflict is ahead or here.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.54, paragraph 03 · PDF page 232 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.54, paragraph 07 · PDF page 232 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.54, paragraph 09 · PDF page 233 · Checked
A sign to tell apart
Pedestrian warns of people on foot. Bicycle warns of bicycle traffic, whose path and speed may differ. Both call for attention to a crossing, but the Pennsylvania bicycle rules also address safe overtaking space and turns across a rider continuing along the road.
- PA-en · Chapter 2 — Warning signs — Bicycle crossing ahead · PDF page 20 · Checked
- PA-en · Safe passing is the law — Passing clearance · PDF page 96 · Checked
- PA-en · Safe passing is the law — Turning across bicycle path · PDF page 96 · Checked
- PA-en · Chapter 2 — Warning signs — Pedestrian crossing · PDF page 21 · Checked
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. What is Pennsylvania’s minimum clearance when passing a bicycle?
- 3 feet.
- 4 feet.
- 6 feet.
Answer: B. 4 feet.
Pennsylvania requires at least 4 feet of clearance. Choose a safe maneuver that preserves that minimum.
2. A Pennsylvania bicyclist is riding straight on the shoulder beside you. May you turn across the rider’s path?
- Yes, because the rider is on the shoulder.
- Yes, if you sound the horn first.
- No; you may not turn into that path.
Answer: C. No; you may not turn into that path.
The handbook protects a rider continuing straight on the roadway or shoulder. Do not cut across that movement.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
Pennsylvania’s driver manual explicitly discusses this sign. This establishes handbook coverage, without a promise about any individual exam.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
State variations
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
No currently verified state-bank question is available for this sign.
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
