Roundabouts
What is a roundabout?
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection that does not have traffic signals. It is designed to maximize safety and minimize traffic delay.
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection that does not have traffic signals. It is designed to maximize safety and minimize traffic delay.
- Low speed on approach
- Approaching vehicles yield to traffic already in the roundabout
- Vehicles drive counter-clockwise and always to the right of the central island
- Low speed on exit
- Continuous movement of traffic
Pedestrians
Roundabouts are often safer for pedestrians than intersections that use traffic signals. At a roundabout, a pedestrian only has to cross two sections of one-way traffic, which is moving at slow speeds. A pedestrian crossing at an intersection with signals must deal with vehicles turning right or left on green, and turning right on red. Some vehicles run the red light, which may result in injuries or fatalities for pedestrians.
At a roundabout:
- Look and listen for approaching traffic. Choose a safe time to cross from the curb ramp to the median opening.
- Walk on the sidewalk/path at all times.
- Never cross the circular roadway to the central island.
- Cross at the designated crosswalk.
- Look in the direction of the oncoming traffic and wait for an acceptable gap before entering the crosswalk.
- Proceed to the splitter island (median) and use as a refuge. Look in the direction of oncoming traffic and wait for an acceptable gap before crossing.
Cyclists
Well-designed, low-speed, single-lane roundabouts should be easy for cyclists to use.
- Ride as if operating a motor vehicle — at the same speed. When riding in a bike lane or on the shoulder, merge into the travel lane before the bike lane shoulder ends. Obey the same driving instructions as vehicles. It is generally safest to claim the lane. Don't hug the curb, ride close to the middle of the lane and be cautious of drivers' blind spots.
- Dismount and use sidewalks and crosswalks. Some roundabouts have a ramp that leads to a shared bicycle–pedestrian path, which runs the perimeter of the roundabout. If there is no shared path, obey the signs, dismount and walk your bicycle.
Motorists
Making a right turn
- Unless posted otherwise, use the right lane if there are multiple approach lanes and turn on the right-turn signal.
- Reduce your speed.
- Keep to the right of the splitter island.
- Allow cyclists to enter the roadway in front of you.
- Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross. Be prepared to stop if a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk.
- Move up to the yield line and wait for an acceptable gap in traffic. Do not enter next to someone already in the roundabout, as that vehicle may be exiting at the next exit. (If another vehicle is stopped at the yield line, do not stop on the crosswalk. Keep the crosswalk clear for pedestrians).
- Enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in traffic within the circular roadway.
- Within the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Keep to the right of the central island and travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Do not overtake other vehicles and cyclists.
- Keep to the outside of the circulatory roadway within the roundabout and continue to use your right-turn signal as you exit. If there are multiple exit lanes, use the right-hand lane.
- Maintain your slow speed until you have passed the crosswalk. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross and cyclists on the road as you exit.
Making a left or U-turn (exiting more than halfway around the roundabout)
- Follow the same steps from 1 to i (see above).
- When you have passed the last exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal and continue to use your right-turn signal through your exit. Maintain a slow speed.
- Watch for leading or adjacent vehicles on the outside (for multi-lane roundabouts) that continue to move around the roundabout.
Moving straight through
- Follow the same steps from 1 to 9 (see above).
- When you have passed the last exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal and continue to use your right-turn signal through your exit. Maintain a slow speed.
- Watch out for leading or adjacent vehicles on the outside (for multi-lane roundabouts) that continue to circulate around the roundabout.
PXO (Pedestrian Crossovers)
What is a Pedestrian Crossover?
Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian Crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons.
At Pedestrian Crossovers equipped with flashing beacons, pedestrians may push a button to make the beacon flash to enhance driver’s awareness that they will be crossing.
It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules at Pedestrian Crossovers.
Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian Crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons.
At Pedestrian Crossovers equipped with flashing beacons, pedestrians may push a button to make the beacon flash to enhance driver’s awareness that they will be crossing.
It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules at Pedestrian Crossovers.
