Navigating traffic is much like navigating life, both are two-way streets. In this post you guessed it we’re focusing on the traffic sign of two-way flow. It’s time to move in and find out the purpose of that road sign. Then link it with human behavior and end with suggestions on how to move forward in your life. Let’s see what the two-way flow traffic sign looks like.
Two-Way Traffic Sign Purpose
In Australia, two-way street signs tell drivers that the road is no longer a single-functioning road. It will soon split, and there may only be a double white line holding the two sides of the road apart. Two-way traffic signs are useful for pedestrians to know that traffic may flow from both sides of the road.
Read more about the various two-way Australian road signs here:
- W4-10 – Lane Allocation Two Lanes On Right (symbolic) | Transport for NSW
- TM8-5n(D) – Look Both Ways Two Way Traffic (Mms Insert – To Be used on Multi Message Sign panels Only) | Transport for NSW
- TM2-24(A) – One Lane Each Way (MMS Insert – To Be used on Multi Message Sign panels Only) | Transport for NSW
In Australia, safety islands are found in the middle of (some) roads for pedestrians who wish to transit from one side of the road to the other. Just because these signs are useful across Australia, will the same information help you elsewhere in the globe?
International Two-Way Street Sign
For America, the sign is very similar in appearance to the Australian sign, and shares meaning. With its yellow background, it presents as a warning sign for road users, alerting changed road conditions. The sign will be placed before the road changes into a two-way street. The reason the sign is added is to also advise drivers they can no longer overtake other road users.
For other regions across the globe, the two-way traffic sign exists but may look different from the black arrows pointing in opposite directions with the yellow kite-shaped background.
Some other ways the sign has been produced include the image below.
For a comprehensive overview of changed traffic signs internationally go here:
OPTraffic’s different signs by type of region internationally
International drivers license includes tips and notes for travellers going abroad what to expect, from road signs down to culture and language.
Right2Drive welcome you to Australian road rules and usage
Now let’s move into connecting the two-way street with the public domain.
Two-Way Street in Community
Think about the latest visit to your closest city or township. Did the public people generally walk as though there was a going to and coming from direction or flow of traffic? Or did the people walk and move about in random directions?
Unless we are talking about a crowd heading into a football stadium or music event, you may find the crowd is moving quite rationally. Modern-day research based on a mathematic model by Tim Rogers and Karol Bacik tested crowds and public movement to see if any rational decision-making occurred when commuting from place A to B.
The answer is yes. Rational decision-making plays a strong factor when people walk in and amongst crowded pathways. Rogers and Bacik found two paths of flow generally mimicking our two-way street sign flow.
Do You Personally Rely on Two-Way Street Flow?
The question now becomes whether you as the individual permit two-way street flow or not. While the two mathematicians above believe human behavior is a rational effort, other factors of human behavior can prove otherwise.
Consider argumentative behavior. How often are the participants approaching the topic from a two-way flow approach? Think of political agendas, debates in health or education, road usage to community buildings, and tourism. When faced with a disagreement with another, do you instinctively apply grace to their different point of view?
This is where two-way street communication may fall short. So, what can you do to fix it?
How to Respectfully Move Forwards Using the Two-Way Street Flow
May the following points be your guide when communicating with others.
• Focus on a key point – eg: You and the other party want to savor a friendship
• Show consideration for their opinion, also known as respect
• You are not “wrong,” you are being shown a new way to think and grow, thank the other for their insight
Next time you are in a conversation remember you are trying to move forwards as much as they are. This is not a conflict but a shared goal.
Consider sharing this post to others to help you with two-way communication support!
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