Frequently Asked Questions
and the Answers You Need!
What are Routearrows?
ROUTEARROWS are the first and only truly specific product for marking cycling event routes. These 3” x 11.9” peel and stick paper arrows come in rolls of 250 in seven high visibility colors. They have a strong adhesive to stick to almost any road surface, and being just paper, they disintegrate from traffic wear leaving no trace! With all the effort needed to organize today's cycling events, why risk its success with a poorly marked route? As an avid cyclist for over thirty years, a route guide author and cycling club event route director, I created ROUTEARROWS with this simple goal:
To enhance the cycling experience! -Randall Braun
Sound good? READ ON!
What makes Routearrows so much better than other marking methods?
- High visibility colors for well marked turns so riders will stay safely and happily on route.
- Fast and easy application, just seconds per arrow, so less time spent marking your route.
- Not permanent as spray paint is considered. Some event markings are still visible for years.
- Unique shape and colors virtually eliminates conflicts with other "official" utility markings.
- Economical. Consider cost per rider. ROUTEARROWS are a real enhancement of your cycling event!
- Safer for your marking crew due to less time spent placing them and by not needing to remove them.
- Less fuel used by not driving the route twice to remove the markings after your event.
- Not prone to vandalism or wind movement like above ground “easel” signs can be.
- Cleaner. No messy spray paint or chalk on your hands, shoes and clothing and no paint fumes.
- The right size to be easily seen by the cyclists, but not to distract motorists.
- Versatile. Other uses include road hazard marking, mileage points, view points, rest stops, etc.
How many rolls do I need for my event?
I recommend between 3 and 5 arrows per turn. With 250 arrows per roll, that’s a range from 80 to 50 turns marked per roll. A key element to route marking is consistency. Set the pattern (arrows per turn and location on pavement) and stick to it for the entire event. The BEST marked routes have 3 arrows before the turn, 1 at the turn and 1 “confirmation” arrow just after the turn, for a total of 5. An “affirmation” arrow can be helpful at some confusing straight thru intersections, and also on long route sections with no turns. If you have multiple routes on the same road, you can use fewer arrows (3-4) per turn due to the enhanced visibility of the different colored arrows side by side. On those left hand turns where you “sweep” riders over, more arrows will be needed, maybe 6-8. Generally, if you have more than 55 turns per route, you’ll probably need a second roll of that same color. For additional route marking info see the “instructions” link here on the website.
Where is the best place (on the road) to locate the arrows?
Place the arrows a foot or more left of or “inside” the white line, which is where car traffic has made it smoother, cleaner and where the arrows will wear away the quickest. If there is a “Bike Lane” 6 feet wide or more, place the arrows as far left in that lane as possible, near the white line. If there is no Bike Lane, place the arrows “inside” the white line a foot or two. If there is no white line, place the arrows 2-3 feet from the pavement edge. It’s a common mistake to place route markings too far to the right, not where the majority of cyclist will ride or where they will be easily noticed. For additional route marking info see the “instructions” link on the website.
Are they safe for the environment?
The arrows are made of a light weight paper and the ink is water based and non toxic. The glue is a USDA approved non toxic adhesive.
How many arrows are on each roll?
There are 250 arrows (+/-) on each roll. They are only sold in full rolls, no partial rolls
How are they applied or removed?
It is very easy and fast to apply Routearrows! They will stick to any clean and dry road surface, the smoother the better. They will stick to rough or “chip seal” pavement but they need to be well pressed down. They are easy to remove from the wax paper backing and placed where desired. Then just give them a little pressing with your foot! This application process takes about 5 seconds per arrow using no special tools, gloves or cleanup. Removal is possible, if necessary. Lift them with fingers if still fresh, or use a flat tool to start. If they are very well stuck, squirt a little water, wait a bit and scuff them into mush with your shoe or a stiff wire brush.
Can I use Routearrows on paved trails and paths?
Our position is that Routearrows should only be used on road surfaces (with car traffic) to direct riders/runners/walkers onto a path, but not on the path surface itself. Once on a path, making a wrong turn is not very likely. If a given event organizer deems it beneficial to put Routearrows on a path (at a path junction or exit) they then become responsible to have them removed immediately after the events completion. Foot and bicycle traffic will not wear them away in a timely manner, and they can eventually come off and become litter.
How long do they last?
One of the big benefits of Routearrows is that they don’t need to be removed due to their short life span. If they stay dry and see very little traffic, it can take up to 6-8 weeks until they’re completely gone. But if they see heavy traffic or get wet they will be dissolved and worn away within a week or two. The colors will fade to white from daily sun exposure also, especially the red, pink and orange.
How far in advance should they be placed?
I recommend no more than 48 hours. The less lead time before the event the better. The afternoon (warm and dry) the day before your event is a good choice. Remember, the marking crew will probably need less time to complete the job because Routearrows take less time to place than spray paint, chalk and much less time than duct tape.
What about rain or wet roads?
Routearrows will not stick well to wet roads. Spray paint or chalk cannot be applied to wet roads either. If there is very light early morning dew, they might stick, depending on pavement type. I recommend the afternoon before the event for placement. If they are placed and then get wet overnight they will still be visible as long as they don’t get any real traffic to wear them away. If rain is very common for your event, Routearrows probably isn’t the best route marking method for you.
How long will the order take to be delivered?
I ship via FedEx 3 day the next business day after receiving your order. Unless I’m out of the color you requested, you should have your order within three to four days. If a color you request is out of stock, it could take a few weeks to fill the order.
How many colors are available?
I have eight “stock” colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Lime, Pink, a brighter Blue, and a new light Purple! On the same event, I don’t recommend using Red with Orange, or Lime with Yellow, due to their similarity.
Can I order custom colors or have my event logo printed?
Custom colors are not available. I’ve covered the bases with the eight available colors. Custom printing is available on orders of 100 rolls or more, at no additional charge!
What events have used Routearrows?
For 2010 Routearrows continued its phenomenal growth trend! Now over 300 events across the country have successfully used Routearrows.com to mark their routes! *** New for 2010!*** Many running events, Triathlons and Marathons have joined the growing ranks of clubs, events and tours from all over the US and Canada that have made the switch to Routearrows and experienced the benefits and accolades that come from a really well marked route!
