I hate roundabouts -- but maybe I am wrong
Roundabouts are spreading across the country -- I find them infuriating and unsafe (when I am towing a trailer). And yet the experts say they are much safer than ordinary intersections. Check out th...
Forum Discussion
Thermoguy wrote:
I also don't like that they are very unsafe for pedestrians. People are looking for cars in the circle and not for pedestrians crossing the legs...
The WSDOT design guide that I linked on the first page discusses pedestrian and bicycle design issues - where to put the cross walks, how to mark them, etc.
It says that crossings on entry legs should should be acar length away from the entrance. That way the pedestrian can cross behind the driver that's focused on cars in the circle. That reminds me of a T intersection I frequently cross as pedestrian. Right turning drivers tend to focus on traffic from their left, and might not see a pedestrian (or bike) coming from their right).
A well designed roundabout shouldn't be any worse than a 4 way stop or lights for pedestrians.
