Frequently Asked QuestionsRoundabouts, rotaries, traffic circles - they're all the same, aren't they? Roundabouts, rotaries, traffic circles - they're all the same, aren't they?No. Other than sharing a circular shape, a modern roundabout operates much differently than other traffic circles, including rotaries. A modern roundabout requires entering traffic to yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the roundabout. This keeps the traffic in the roundabout constantly moving and prevents much of the gridlock that plagues rotaries. Modern roundabouts are also much smaller than rotaries and thus operate at safer, slower speeds. The design of a modern roundabout allows capacities comparable to signals but with generally a higher degree of safety. Aren't traffic signals safer than roundabouts for pedestrians?It depends on the amount of pedestrians and vehicles. In many cases a roundabout can offer a safer environment for pedestrians than a traffic signal because the pedestrian crossing at a roundabout is reduced to two simple crossings of one-way traffic moving at slow speeds. A pedestrian crossing at a traffic signal still needs to contend with vehicles turning right or left on green, vehicles turning right on red and vehicles running the red light. The latter of these potential conflicts occur at high speeds and often result in injuries or fatalities to pedestrians. Are roundabouts appropriate everywhere?No. The choice of using a roundabout versus a traffic signal is a case-by-case decision. The City of Ottawa evaluates each candidate intersection individually to determine whether a roundabout or a traffic signal is more appropriate. I drive a big truck and that roundabout looks awfully tight. Will my vehicle fit?Yes. The roundabout has been designed to accommodate large vehicles. As you approach the roundabout, stay close to the left side of the entry. As you exit, again stay close to the left side of the exit. What should I do when I'm in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle arrives?Exit the roundabout at the nearest exit and pull over to the right and stop. Do not stop in the roundabout as you might block the path of a large emergency vehicle. How about cycling through a roundabout?A cyclist has a number of options at a roundabout and the choice will depend on the degree of comfort riding in traffic. The speed of cars through a roundabout is close to the speed you ride your bicycle. You can choose to either circulate as a vehicle or use the sidewalk around the roundabout. When circulating as a vehicle, be sure to ride near the middle of the lane so that drivers can see you and will not attempt to pass you. Cars should be travelling at speeds similar to your speed within the circular roadway portion of the roundabout. What about snow removal at roundabouts?A number of communities in snowy areas have installed roundabouts, including Hamilton, Ontario, Kemptville, Ontario, Waterloo, Ontario, Howard (Green Bay), Wisconsin; Montpelier, Vermont; and Vail, Colorado. All have indicated that while there is some initial adjustment in procedures for snowplow crews, roundabouts generally present no major problems for snow removal. In Howard, Wisconsin, for example, one truck will start on the truck apron and plow around the roundabout to the outside, while another truck will plow each entry and exit, pushing the snow to the outside. |
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