Wherever you travel in the United States, and whatever mode of travel you choose, you are guided by and are expected to abide by a common set of roadway signs and markings. Stop signs all look alike. Lane markings follow a consistent pattern. Signals operate in the same way.
Some signs are regulatory or mandatory, while others are advisory.
Certain signs warn you of conditions that may affect your journey. Each type of sign or marking has a common shape and color depending on its function. All of this helps to ensure that traffic flows safely and efficiently whether you are driving on the New Jersey Turnpike or walking across a local residential road. When you ride a bicycle, you are typically required to follow the same set of signs and markings as you would if you were driving a car, but there are some signs and markings that relate specifically to bicycling. Signs denoting bike lanes or the intersection of a shared use path with a roadway may have specific instructions or significance for bicyclists.