Roundabouts - Pedestrians and cyclists (3 of 5)

It's simple to use if you're on foot or riding a bicycle. Learn how easy roundabouts make crossing the street.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• wsdot
• roundabout

[jlohman]

Interesting that all children were holding the hands of parents as they crossed. In Richfield WI they are proposing a roundabout at an intersection shared by a grade school where the kids cross the street to a Dairy Queen and park. The school opposes it but there are others who apparently know better :-)

I'd like to see some long-term safety studies of roundabouts next to grade schools.

[PedAdvocate]

It would be interesting to see video shot when traffic is heavier. With the multi-lane roundabout, pedestrians face a multiple-threat situation. If a car is stopped in the first lane, a car in the second lane might not be able to see the crossing pedestrian. The number of lanes, design speed, and traffic volume can combine to make some roundabouts very unfriendly to pedestrians. Not to mention the problems they create for blind pedestrians, who normally use the sound of parallel traffic.

[shmuli9]

@slimphotog A frequently unresolved issue is how cyclists will "ride iwth traffic" if it suits them and "be a pedestrian" if it suits them. If they chose ONE or the other (the whole "ride on street"/"ride on sidewalk" thing is extremely confusing), then roundabouts might be safer for cyclists, though it DOES seem unless paths for cyclists (in Seattle, on major streets, the "through lanes" for cyclists are painted green through intersections), motorists seem to "not-see-on-purpose" cyclists.

[evafan365]

Granted roundabouts are good for motorized traffic it is obvious. However passing it off as safe for pedestrians and cyclists is ludicrous. Pedestrians have to contend with traffic that does not want to give the right of way or even slow down. They have to make several crossings and walk further to get to their destination. Cyclists must try to avoid roundabouts or put themselves in a very vulnerable situation. Motorists will overtake or cut off a cyclist frequently in these traffic circles.

[evafan365]

PART 2

We should be making alternative transportation more practical. However this type of intersection provides the opposite. It speeds traffic up and increases risk for cyclists and pedestrians. In Hamilton Ontario the city is incorporating circles in residential neighborhoods Were there are lots children who don't drive cars yet. I think the use of this type of traffic mover (not Control) should be only used on roads that prohibit pedestrians or cyclists.

[slimphotog]

Roundabouts are statistically safer for cars, but more dangerous for cyclists.

[Seattlecarnut]

I've never walked or ridden a bike through a roundabout, but great advice on how to use it. Thank you.

[GoletaTheGoodLand]

Is a map provided on how to cross the street?

[GoletaTheGoodLand]

Bicyclists must obey? hahahaaa!

[NipkowDisk]

Outstanding advice!