What is a Roundabout? maneuver similar to a right turn onto a one way street. Once in the roundabout, proceed A modern roundabout is a circular intersection around the central island and take the designed to slow traffic while lowering delays. necessary right hand exit. A well designed roundabout can improve Roundabouts safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Remember! General Information and Their advantage also lies in providing a more Step-by-Step Instruction aesthetically pleasing intersection design, • Circulating vehicles have the since there is less pavement and the central right of way. island offers an opportunity for landscaping features that create a distinctive entry point • All vehicles circulate counter to your community. Operations are improved clockwise. by smooth flowing traffic (with less stop and go than a signalized intersection). • Roundabouts are designed to accommo- date large vehicles including fire trucks. The paved “truck apron” around the central is- Crosswalk land is intended to provide ex- Median Circulatory tra space for large trucks while Island Roadway driving around the roundabout. Bicyclists Yield Line Central • A roundabout is not a traffic circle. Island There are two main differences between Motorists Truck a modern roundabout and a traditional Apron Entry Lane traffic circle: 1) Speed – the design of a roundabout – smaller central islands and Exit medians island deflectors - slows traffic Pedestrians Lane upon entry and while circulating. Whereas the design of a traffic circle allows for General Operating Principle higher speed entry and circulation. 2) Yield at Entry – as described above, The general principle behind using a traffic circulating in the roundabout has the roundabout is Yield-at-Entry. A motorist or right of way, and vehicles entering must bicyclist approaching a roundabout must slow yield to traffic already circulating. down or stop for vehicles stopped ahead, yield Whereas in traffic circles, motorists to pedestrians in crosswalk, and yield to traffic entering the circle have the right of way New York State Department of Transportation already in the roundabout. Then, when a and circulating vehicles must yield or stop, sufficient gap is present, it’s a simple often causing gridlock. Do Not Hug Curb • Once in the roundabout, DON’T HUG Motorists: THE CURB. Ride close to the middle of the lane to prevent motorists from passing • Upon approaching the round- and cutting you off. about, stay to the right of the Watch for motorists waiting to enter the median island and SLOW roundabout, as they may not see you. DOWN to 10-15 mph. Be sure to look for cyclists • If you do not want to ride your bicycle merging into the travel lane, in the roundabout, you should dismount and yield to pedestrians at the prior to the roundabout yield sign and Look to proceed as a pedestrian. crosswalk. the Left Refer to instructions for pedestrians for more details. Island • Before entering the roundabout, Stop for Pedestrians Median YIELD to traffic on your left in Look Toward the roundabout. Entry Lane Remember to be prepared to Pedestrians: stop if there is not a sufficient gap in circulating traffic. Enter Travel Look Toward Lane or • PROCEED around the roundabout on the Roundabout • ENTER the roundabout when Proceed as sidewalk or shoulder and in the there is a sufficient gap. Pedestrian designated crosswalks. All traffic is moving in a Never walk in the roundabout or to the counter clockwise direction. central island. • CONTINUE slowly around the • CROSS ONE LANE AT A TIME to the roundabout. median island; it’s there to provide you Do not pass bicyclists ahead of you in the with a refuge between lanes roundabout, as your speeds should be How To Use A Roundabout nearly equal. • When crossing an entry lane, LOOK TO Note: YOUR LEFT for approaching vehicles. • Look for your Bicyclists: • If you are riding on a shoulder or bike You have the right of way when you’re in DESTINATION SIGN. lane, merge into the travel lane before the the crosswalk, but be careful – make sure shoulder ends. Prepare for this move that drivers can see you and stop for you. • Use your right turn signal and EXIT the early, look over your shoulder, and signal roundabout carefully. The same laws that apply to motorists, with your intent to move into traffic. Don’t be • When crossing an exit lane, LOOK TO Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk, some obvious exceptions, apply to bicyclists. intimidated, you have a right to be on the YOUR RIGHT for vehicles leaving the and stop for them. Bicyclists should proceed as motorists. Refer road; assert your position upon entering roundabout. to directions for motorists. the roundabout. Roundabouts are Some vehicles will use their right-turn NEVER STOP in the roundabout. designed so that motorists will travel close signal, but some won’t. Proceed to your cycling speed. carefully..