M4-9a Bicyclist/Pedestrian Detour
Directs both bicyclists and pedestrians along a detour route with the bicycle and pedestrian symbols, the word DETOUR, and a directional arrow (M4-9aL/M4-9aR directional versions).
- Sign Name
- Bicyclist/Pedestrian Detour
- General Meaning
- Directs both bicyclists and pedestrians along a detour route with the bicycle and pedestrian symbols, the word DETOUR, and a directional arrow (M4-9aL/M4-9aR directional versions).
- MUTCD Code
- M4-9a
- Typical Use
- Along the detour route at each decision point.
- Sign Category
- Detour Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Rectangle (Horizontal)
- Background Color
- Orange
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- Conventional Rectangle (Horizontal)24"–48" tall
- Expressway Rectangle (Horizontal)36"–60" tall
- Freeway Rectangle (Horizontal)48"–72" tall
Material / Application Notes
Shared bicyclist/pedestrian detours around closures. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)California Notes
California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, M4-9a Bicyclist/Pedestrian Detour is typically positioned at the along the detour route at each decision point. Common deployments include shared bicyclist/pedestrian detours around closures; each turn of the detour marked with the directional arrow; used with SIDEWALK CLOSED and path-closure signing. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Learn more about Bicyclist/Pedestrian Detour sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Shared bicyclist/pedestrian detours around closures
- Each turn of the detour marked with the directional arrow
- Used with SIDEWALK CLOSED and path-closure signing
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- Along the detour route at each decision point.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F, and Part 2D (Guide Signs)
- Typical minimum size
- 24" × 12" (route marker / plaque)
California / Field Use Notes
Placed where a California work zone closes a shared-use path, sidewalk, or bike route and both bicyclists and pedestrians must follow a signed, accessible detour.
In Los Angeles, pedestrian routing is scrutinized by plan reviewers. The City of LA Bureau of Engineering (BOE) and StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services) require TCPs to maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian access at all times or provide a clearly marked, compliant alternate route. Show barricades, signs, and accessible surfaces on the plan; on state highways in LA County, Caltrans District 7 reviews the encroachment permit and TCP.
Common Plan Review Comments
- No ADA-compliant alternate pedestrian route shown on the TCP.
- Sidewalk closure not signed in advance (cross-here / ahead signs missing).
- Accessible width and surface of the pedestrian detour not noted.
- Barricades and detectable edging not shown at the closure.
Confirm the combined bicyclist/pedestrian detour is signed at every decision point and remains ADA-accessible end to end. Public Ready reviews non-motorized detour routing.
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Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.
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