Traffic Roundabouts Improving Safety and Traffic Flow
Roundabouts typically eliminate the most severe intersection accidents – T-bones and head-on collisions. They have fewer vehicle conflict points than a traditional intersection which results in fewer crashes than signalized intersections and fewer injury and fatal crashes than signalized intersections. Additional benefits are:
- Improve safety when compared to signalized intersections
- Better traffic flow and reduced delay when compared to more conventional intersections
- Fewer vehicle conflict points than a traditional intersection
- Business and community enhancement – opportunities for unique “branding” or landscaping in the center island
- Decrease air pollution – reduced emissions by avoiding frequent starts and stops
How to Use Roundabouts Mortorists, Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Driving
As a motorist, to travel into a roundabout remember to:- Slow Down.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Yield to motorists already in the roundabout, then merge into traffic flow when it is safe.
- Enter appropriate lane if there are multiple lanes.
- Stay in your lane. Do not change lanes or pass in the roundabout.
- Signal your turn and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk when exiting the roundabout.
- If an emergency vehicle approaches, exit the roundabout immediately and pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout.
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How do multi-lane roundabouts work?
View this video from our neighbors to the north in Canada.
Biking
Cyclists can either ride with traffic inside the roundabout or circulate as a pedestrian, using the sidewalk. Always yield to pedestrians.Riding with traffic:
- Assert your position and the center of the lane as you approach the roundabout.
- Follow the same rules as vehicles and appropriately yield as you enter the roundabout.
Circulating as a pedestrian
- Many roundabouts have special ramps prior to entering the circulating roadway that lead to sidewalks.
- Dismount and walk your bike when using crosswalks.
Walking
As a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way, but always proceed carefully.- Cross only at crosswalks and always stay on the designated walkways.
- Pedestrian islands may allow you to cross one section at a time.
- Watch for cars entering and leaving the roundabout. Be aware and proceed carefully.
- Your best protection is awareness.
- Never cross to the center island.