Originally Posted by CliffordK

Since about the 1960's, there has been a move towards using less text and more pictograms in the signs.

One of the differences between the USA and Europe is that the USA is strongly English speaking, although we do have a growing Spanish speaking population. Europe is much more multi-lingual, especially as the EU has been growing over the last few decades.

Most signs with 1 or 2 words can easily be read and comprehended. I think there have been some complaints about removing too much text from signs.

However, this topic is about cycling specific signs, and many are somewhat non-standard. Thus, I think adding text may make them easier to understand rather than using 100% pictographs which might leave readers guessing.

Or, ideally mix pictographs and text so one can interpret the signs with either.