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.
• 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.