Let's hear it for roundabouts

Submitted by barbcornew on Tue, 04/03/2012 - 10:32am

The recently built roundabout at the corner of Everett and Riverwoods roads in Lincolnshire is a type of infrastructure that Active Trans appreciates because it's friendly for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.

Roundabouts are circular intersections with a boulevard in the middle. They tend to calm traffic and create a safer environment for users. This roundabout connects to the Everett Bike Trail, and on Saturday mornings is packed with cyclists. In fact, the two fast moving cyclists (below) were pleased to have their picture taken as they biked the roundabout. One of the cyclists happens to be a reader of this blog.

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I see the roundabout

Submitted by Wordherder (not verified) on Wed, 04/04/2012 - 12:00pm.

In Naperville they put stop signs at all four entrances to the roundabouts on River Road. Talk about your "unclear on the concept."

Lincolnshire Roundabout

Submitted by Curtis (not verified) on Tue, 04/03/2012 - 3:08pm.

I like the roundabout when I'm riding in the street but I find that for bikers using the bike path or for pedestrians it can be a challenge since cars no longer stop. And since it's a roundabout, the car drivers don't seem to use their turn signals. That means that a pedestrian crossing Riverwoods can't tell if a car travelling on Everett will continue or will turn.

Lincolnshire Roundabout

Submitted by Paul Dieterle (not verified) on Wed, 04/04/2012 - 10:36am.

It's the nature of the beast. Drivers need instruction to avoid further idiocy in their haste to be FIRST down the road. With the roundabout they only need to slow down into it---THEN hit the acclerator ASAP if they see open road in front of them, or at least a free 50-500 feet before the rear-end the vehicle in front.
ps Those folks in Lincolnshire probably don't see why you're on the road in their way, anyway...