The city of Richmond is taking steps to improve safety for cyclists by reminding drivers they share the roads, NBC 12 reports.

City employees are installing new street signs for that purpose, according to the news source, hoping to not only improve safety but also encourage more citizens to start riding bicycles. The mayor and others hope this will be a step toward reducing the city's carbon footprint and reducing air pollution at the same time.

"The more people who are willing to ride bikes, the less cars there will be out," Richmond Public Works' Sharon North told the source. Officials also noted that such a result would aid traffic congestion, likely improving driving conditions for those who stay behind the wheel.

The pilot project began on Harrison Street, and has been extended further to encompass more of the city. The signs are funded with $775,000 in federal grants. The source notes city workers are attempting to complete the installation of the 70 new signs before the temperature drops too low and impedes the work.

Richmond motorists may benefit from reduced congestion with fewer automobiles on the road, if the program succeeds, but will need to take greater care to watch for and avoid cyclists at the same time. Drivers may wish to review their auto insurance policies as well, since different provisions may apply to coverage for collisions with cyclists as opposed to other cars.