I think M Awe is right about the definition of sharrows - they would only be found in lanes in which motorists are also allowed to travel (and not in dedicated bike lanes). Dedicated bike lanes usually have a stencil of a cyclists and an arrow, but not the chevron the sharrow has.
I never understand the objections to sharrows. They are akin to 'merge' signs where lanes lead in to each other and join. There was probably a time when 'merge' signs weren't necessary, then there were more vehicles on the road, and they became necessary to remind drivers to look out for other vehicles. Sharrows are just a reminder to motorists to expect cyclists on the road, and to remind cyclists not to ride next to parked cars.
Re: “Front and Center”
I think M Awe is right about the definition of sharrows - they would only be found in lanes in which motorists are also allowed to travel (and not in dedicated bike lanes). Dedicated bike lanes usually have a stencil of a cyclists and an arrow, but not the chevron the sharrow has.
I never understand the objections to sharrows. They are akin to 'merge' signs where lanes lead in to each other and join. There was probably a time when 'merge' signs weren't necessary, then there were more vehicles on the road, and they became necessary to remind drivers to look out for other vehicles. Sharrows are just a reminder to motorists to expect cyclists on the road, and to remind cyclists not to ride next to parked cars.