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The main purpose of a sign is to communicate a message or convey information. Most are useful. But others are just plain stupid. Then there are super funny signs. And those that make no sense at all. But have you ever come across a sign that gave you goosebumps? And not in a good way.

r/ScarySigns is a spot on the internet dedicated to terrifying signs. The community has 434k members, and they’re obsessed with “signs found in the world that you don’t want to be near!” Keep scrolling for our top picks from the page, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that would stop you in your tracks. If you’re interested in finding out why some people enjoy watching or looking at things that scare them, like horror movies or these scary sign pics, read on to hear what the experts have to say.

Fear is a necessary human emotion. It alerts us to possible trouble so that we can react, which in turn helps us survive potentially deadly situations. When encountering danger, fear triggers us into fight-or-flight mode. We can either choose to go up against the perceived threat, or we can run away as fast as possible.

But there is another response… Freeze. When something just stops us in our tracks, and we make like Elsa in Frozen. Some of the signs pictured here have elicited that very response from the people who encountered them. Until they became unstuck enough to take a photograph and share it with the r/ScarySigns community.

#4

Tsunami Marker "Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point"

Tsunami Marker "Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point"

highdiver_2000 Report

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If fear is a negative emotion and a state that many of us don't necessarily like being in, why do we enjoy watching horror movies, or scrolling through photos of terrifying signs? According to experts, it has something to do with the chemicals our body releases after being scared.

#8

Some Good Advice On The Big Island Of Hawai'i

Some Good Advice On The Big Island Of Hawai'i

variegatedbanana Report

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Paula MV
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems obvious, but the last time we were on the Big Island during an eruption, a guide at the volcano told us every year someone touches the lava with their foot... only to pull their leg back and find that their foot is gone.

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#9

When You Perfectly Capture The Mood Of A Generation

When You Perfectly Capture The Mood Of A Generation

the_lamou Report

Margee Kerr has dedicated her career to learning as much about fear as she can. She’s a sociologist and the author of SCREAM: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear. She says fear floods our bodies with "feel-good" hormones. "Our arousal system is activated and triggers a cascade of 'feel good' neurotransmitters and hormones like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline that influence our brains and our bodies," Kerr told The Huffington Post.

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#10

Highway 16, Canada. Over 80+ Confirmed Murders. Whose Got More Insight To This?

Highway 16, Canada. Over 80+ Confirmed Murders. Whose Got More Insight To This?

MichaelT1991 Report

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Jenn Anderson
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Google MMIW and Highway of Tears.. its all there and horrific that the RCMP willingly ignore when a certain group of women keep going missing

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#12

Inside The Boy’s Bathroom At School

Inside The Boy’s Bathroom At School

SkyaGold Report

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Linda van A.
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This didn't make any sense to me because I thought it had something to do with Corona. I'm from the Netherlands and school shootings never crossed my mind.

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You’d most likely be watching a horror movie or scrolling through these pics in a place where you feel safe. Not while you’re in immediate, real danger. And that makes a big difference. “To really enjoy a scary situation, we have to know we’re in a safe environment,” Kerr told The Atlantic. “It’s all about triggering the amazing fight-or-flight response to experience the flood of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine, but in a completely safe space.”

#13

In Barbados

In Barbados

kjfdlhs Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I get the bit about rain, but who just eats small fruit off a tree that is clearly unknown.

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#15

In Chicago Near The Former Site Of The Argonne National Laboratory, An Early Site Used For The Manhattan Project

In Chicago Near The Former Site Of The Argonne National Laboratory, An Early Site Used For The Manhattan Project

Either_Coast Report

Kerr says humans have been intentionally scaring themselves, and each other, since the dawn of time. "Through all kinds of methods like storytelling, jumping off cliffs, and popping out to startle each other from the recesses of some dark cave," she said.

The expert adds that there are various reasons for this. "To build group unity, to prepare kids for life in the scary world, and of course, to control behavior. But it's only really in the last few centuries that scaring ourselves for fun (and profit) has become a highly sought-after experience."

#16

Came To A Family Dollar In A Pretty Ghetto Area, The Restrooms Are Right Next To The Employee Break Area, And I Saw This Sign On The Way Out

Came To A Family Dollar In A Pretty Ghetto Area, The Restrooms Are Right Next To The Employee Break Area, And I Saw This Sign On The Way Out

Bruser75 Report

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Remi (He/Him)
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good company as in they don't expect the employees to try and fight the robbers or something. Also having clear instructions is helpful if something happens. Small one or two people working locations are at risk of something happening even in better neighborhoods.

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#17

These Have Always Been The Scariest Signs To Me. Those Markers Aren’t Even Close To The River. Great Falls, Va

These Have Always Been The Scariest Signs To Me. Those Markers Aren’t Even Close To The River. Great Falls, Va

hallowissmol Report

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VW Panda
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These signs are in great falls park about 100 yards from the Potomac, so yeah they are pretty close.

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#18

"If You Talk Too Much, This Man May Die" - Written Around A Mirror (World War II)

"If You Talk Too Much, This Man May Die" - Written Around A Mirror (World War II)

CrithionLoren Report

Sometimes we put ourselves into a state of fear purely just to "feel." "For many people everyday life can feel overly routinized and even boring," said Dr. David Zald, director of the Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. "By contrast, when scared we are fully aware, conscious and in the moment. We are not preoccupied thinking about what happened yesterday or what we have to do tomorrow." Have you ever noticed how you feel wide awake after getting a fright? Now you know why.

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Not everyone enjoys fear. Some actually have a fear of fear. According to VeryWellMind, “Whereas most people experience fear only during a situation that is perceived as scary or threatening, those who live with anxiety disorders may become afraid that they will experience a fear response. They perceive their fear responses as negative and go out of their way to avoid those responses.”

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#24

Menacing Sign Over I-70 — Denver, Colorado

Menacing Sign Over I-70 — Denver, Colorado

ErasableHeart44 Report

#30

What Is The Meaning Of This Sign? It's Been On The Sub A Few Times But I Couldn't Find A Concise Answer

What Is The Meaning Of This Sign? It's Been On The Sub A Few Times But I Couldn't Find A Concise Answer

Zhydrac Report

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#33

If It's White, Say Goodnight

If It's White, Say Goodnight

TheAlcoholicMenace Report

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Angela C
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's black fight back, if it's brown lie down, if it's white say good night

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#35

Seen In Japan Skiing…the Fact That They Took The Time To Draw The Blood…

Seen In Japan Skiing…the Fact That They Took The Time To Draw The Blood…

DirectorChick Report

#38

A What???

A What???

lalaxoxo__ Report

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably from the UK. Apparently, quite a lot of public buildings that used a specific type/method of concrete could potentially collapse.

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#40

From Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park In Felton, California

From Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park In Felton, California

mristre Report

#44

A Warning Sign Close To The Electric Fish Barrier In The Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal To Prevent The Asian Carp From Reaching The Great Lakes

A Warning Sign Close To The Electric Fish Barrier In The Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal To Prevent The Asian Carp From Reaching The Great Lakes

Frog23 Report

#46

“The Troops Are Under Orders To Shoot If The Warning To Stop Is Ignored.“

“The Troops Are Under Orders To Shoot If The Warning To Stop Is Ignored.“

reddit.com Report

#47

Lake Mackintosh, Tasmania. Man-Made Lake For Hydroelectricity

Lake Mackintosh, Tasmania. Man-Made Lake For Hydroelectricity

mrtomhanks Report

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H Cef
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the numeric values are fascinating and what do they represent? 0.7 is just white and chilling without a name, 0.6 is the same, 0.5 ALL CAPS PREPARE! DUDE and we killed 0.4 so you better listen! 0.3 is basically it could take days to get to the "EVACUATE" level or hours really, we don't know, it's just that 0.2 and 0.1 are missing or dead or I might have killed them, we don't know.

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#48

Multiple Carcasses In Area…

Multiple Carcasses In Area…

Moira_Rose Report

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Shark Lady
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing this is when salmon have died after reproducing, it's an all you can eat buffet for bears.

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#49

Warning Sign In Canberra, Australia

Warning Sign In Canberra, Australia

jonas_ML Report

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Shark Lady
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try not to feed your in-laws beef Wellington that contains death cap mushrooms

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#51

Swimming Is Prohibited. Danger To Life. Water Containing Hydrogen Sulphide

Swimming Is Prohibited. Danger To Life. Water Containing Hydrogen Sulphide

SamuraTheFennec Report

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Rayne OfSalt
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my part of Australia we have signs along some lakes & rivers that say something like "Danger: Do not swim, Do not camp. Crocodiles will kill you" written in german on them because we had a string of german tourists ignoring the many, many other warnings and getting eaten by crocs.

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#53

Door At Calarts

Door At Calarts

IAmBestDuck Report

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would think they would bolt the door securely instead of hanging some flimsy chain in front

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#54

New Signs At School For Safety Against Shooters

New Signs At School For Safety Against Shooters

Plastic-Ramen Report

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XenoMurph
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do we think the US will get better or worse over the next 4 years?

Leoninus Fate
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the bathrooms were outside of the school, i was 15 or something {postedthis before} and the place went on lockdown, we got the announcement to stay in class and such.... where was i? out in the bathroom, I left an ran to the door and see a teacher at the door looking out, i slam into it and asks to be let in, she tells me, she cant open the door {yes this was real, there was a guy on the other side of the school hideing with a gun, so not a test} I'm pounding on it and telling her to let me in, and she instead locks it more? and runs the room closing it...... well the school was about 3 streets from my home, I looked at the parking lot and thought about it and darted out, I ran home, my mom was surprised I was home and I told her what happened, she kept me home, she called but they wouldn't answer and after it called her to tell her they hadn't seen me since earlier..... oh she was PI$$ED, I forget what happened after, but those bathrooms are connected to the school now

Shaggy
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Frankly, I would rather be outside. Chances are the idiot with the boom stick is not trying to harm anyone outside (as they have not yet) and are concentrating on the school. Outside 100%

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nonbean
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have rules like that at my high school (also an open campus so anyone can leave during lunch and just come back, same for if you have a free period) but nobody follows it

Shaggy
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yea, they would get in their car and drive away. No way in hell would I be trying to GET INTO a school with an active shooter situation when I am already outside... (Saving people is obv the exception)

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J K
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It almost looked like the sign was telling us to F the people outside as those outside are already dead and we should focus on saving those already inside.

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#56

This Sign Near The Top Of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

This Sign Near The Top Of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

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#57

USA’s Most Dangerous Climb

USA’s Most Dangerous Climb

deliverusfromevie Report

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Biofish23
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. There is also a train that can be taken to the top. The trail heads are easily accessible, the hike is only moderately difficult and short enough to be a day hike ,in good conditions. All of this lulls unprepared tourists into starting off underprepared. The problem is conditions change dramatically, it can easily be a beautiful summer day at the base, but have high winds and snow at the summit.

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#58

Found This Out In The New Mexico Desert

Found This Out In The New Mexico Desert

Mongotheball Report

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Rachel Pelz
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually life-saving but scary to imagine how many people die in need of something like this.

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#59

I Felt Confident Getting Close To Take A Pic On Such A Clear Day!

I Felt Confident Getting Close To Take A Pic On Such A Clear Day!

B34TBOXX5 Report

#60

The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

makerofdust Report

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Angela C
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The title may say the numbers are exaggerated but I have no trouble believing that many people would get themselves killed in that manner

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#65

Deep Sand, Make The Right Decision

Deep Sand, Make The Right Decision

neveroddoreven- Report

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The Scout
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ironically the "towing fine is more than 1000$" will probably deter more drivers than "drivers have died"...

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#66

On The Side Of Colorado State Route 103

On The Side Of Colorado State Route 103

med_designs Report

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 week ago

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These are appearing all over London curtesy of Sadik Khant.

#69

Mom Just Had Hip Replacement Surgery Yesterday; This Sign Was On The Door Of The Behavioral Health Ward On My Way To Her Room

Mom Just Had Hip Replacement Surgery Yesterday; This Sign Was On The Door Of The Behavioral Health Ward On My Way To Her Room

The_Illa_Vanilla Report

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Gingersnap In Iowa
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in the psych ward earlier this year. The doors are always locked you have to be buzzed in and out. Food service workers were very spooked bringing in meals.

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#70

A Beach In Okinawa, Japan

A Beach In Okinawa, Japan

DiddledByDad Report

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Rachel Pelz
Community Member
1 week ago

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Do the not-to-be-conducted water related activities include drinking water from a bottle, I wonder. Plus, if I'm not a US forces Japan visitor but on my own, does the sign apply?

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#74

Sign In Death Valley, California. Not Oc Shamelessly Stolen

Sign In Death Valley, California. Not Oc Shamelessly Stolen

Forsaken_Article_295 Report

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Corvus
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that it's called "Death Valley" is a pretty strong hint...

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#75

So People Normally Play With Bats?

So People Normally Play With Bats?

lemurwrangler Report

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Biofish23
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bats have very small sharp teeth, bites might not be particularly painful or leave a noticeable mark, but can still transmit rabies. Not to mention all the other diseases they can carry due to their freaky immune system. ANY contact with a bat warrants medical attention.

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#78

“There Is A High Probability You Will Be Stung If You Visit This Location”

“There Is A High Probability You Will Be Stung If You Visit This Location”

Wheres_my_bandit_hat Report

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CF
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No further info needed, I will NOT be visiting there ever.

#79

Every Time I Have To Ring Up Certain Gift Cards At Work This Thing Jumpscares Me

Every Time I Have To Ring Up Certain Gift Cards At Work This Thing Jumpscares Me

My-Skeleton-Closet Report

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#80

Found In A Dead Mall In Livingston, Nj. There Are No Radioactive Sources Or Power Plants Around For Several Hundred Miles

Found In A Dead Mall In Livingston, Nj. There Are No Radioactive Sources Or Power Plants Around For Several Hundred Miles

JonMidnight Report

#81

A Sign Near A Waterfall, In Virginia

A Sign Near A Waterfall, In Virginia

reddit.com Report

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Beak Hookage
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you die, you will also be fined and then buried at your own expense.

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#86

On The Approach Trail To Longs Peak, Colorado

On The Approach Trail To Longs Peak, Colorado

gigamosh57 Report

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#87

Sign At A Park In My Town By Our City Dam

Sign At A Park In My Town By Our City Dam

TheSenerfChild Report

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Shaggy
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is the test sound. 1 long blast. Short ones get your attention...

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#88

Many Things To Be Aware Of! This Sign Is At Castaway Key, An Island Owned By Disney

Many Things To Be Aware Of! This Sign Is At Castaway Key, An Island Owned By Disney

reddit.com Report

#90

This Is A Pretty Ominous One At Hanging Rock State Park In North Carolina

This Is A Pretty Ominous One At Hanging Rock State Park In North Carolina

Waveali Report

#91

I Knew The Us Wasn't The Most Cyclist Friendly But This Is Less Than Reassuring

I Knew The Us Wasn't The Most Cyclist Friendly But This Is Less Than Reassuring

aisingiorix Report

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Tiger
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get so nervous around cyclists on tight streets (and I bet they’re nervous around me too.) I wish every road had bike lanes.

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#92

On The Way To Askja Via F910, Deep In The Highlands Of Iceland [oc]

On The Way To Askja Via F910, Deep In The Highlands Of Iceland [oc]

basedrifter Report