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River Falls has recently
constructed a roundabout at the Cemetery Road/ Wasson Lane
intersection. The following information can help you navigate this new
roundabout and learn more about the safety benefits of roundabouts.
Q: What is a
roundabout?
A: A modern roundabout is an unsignalized circular
intersection engineered to maximize safety and minimize traffic delay.
Over the last few decades, thousands of roundabouts have been installed
in Europe, Australia and other parts of the world. Recently, they have
gained support in the United States with many states getting experience
with their use and design. In the cities and towns where roundabouts
have been built, and even where the public has been hesitant about
accepting them initially, roundabouts ultimately have been accepted
enthusiastically because of the increased safety they provide, along
with traffic calming, and aesthetic benefits.
Q: Why are
roundabouts used instead of a signal light?
A:
In a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study of 24
intersections in the USA where stop control and traffic signals were
replaced with Modern Roundabouts, there was a large drop in crashes.
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39% overall crash reduction |
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76% overall injury reduction |
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90% fatal crash reduction |
Roundabouts reduce
vehicle speeds, minimize vehicle weaving, automatically establish
right-of-way, and reduce points of conflict.
Q: How can such
impressive crash reductions be explained?
A: One reason
is that there is a reduction in the number of conflict points within the
facility. The circulatory vehicle movements at roundabouts eliminate or
drastically reduce the critical conflicts resulting from red light
running, left-turns against opposing traffic, right-angle conflicts at
corners, and rear-end collisions. As the figure below shows, a standard
intersection has 32 potential vehicle-to-vehicle conflicts versus 8 for
a roundabout, according to the FWHA Roundabout Guide. In addition, modern roundabouts are designed such that
traffic enters at nearly right angles to circulating traffic. Also,
roundabouts are relatively small (compared to traffic circles) so
traffic speeds are slower. This allows more opportunities to enter
circulating traffic and fewer accidents result.
 
Q: How do I
navigate the roundabout?
A:
Click
here for a diagram about driving on roundabouts.
Drivers in a
roundabout
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When approaching the
roundabout, slow down and yield to pedestrians. |
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Look to the left, as
traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way. |
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Enter when it is safe
and there is an adequate gap in the circulating traffic flow.
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Keep your speed low
within the roundabout. |
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As you approach your
exit, turn on your right turn signal. |
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Exit carefully to
your destination, yielding to pedestrians. |
Bicyclists in a
roundabout
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If you are riding on
the shoulder or bike lane, merge into the traffic lane before the
shoulder ends. |
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Signal your intent to
move into traffic. |
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Once inside the
roundabout, don't hug the curb. |
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Ride close to the
middle of the lane to prevent cars from passing and cutting you off.
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Watch for cars
waiting to enter the roundabout, as they may not see you.
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| If you
do not want to ride your bike in the roundabout, use the sidewalk to
walk your bicycle
and proceed as a pedestrian. |
Pedestrians in a roundabout
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Stay on designated
walkways at all times. |
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Watch for cars; you
have the right-of-way, but your best protection is your own attention. |
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Cross one lane at a
time, using the splitter island as a refuge area before crossing the
next lane. |
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Never cross to the
large round central island. |
Trucks in a roundabout
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Drive on the
circulatory roadway, except large trucks and trailers may use the
truck apron provided to negotiate the tight turning radius. |
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Drive on the raised
pavement of the truck apron to navigate more easily. |
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Cars should not use
the truck apron. |
Q:
Where can I go for more information?
A: The
Wisconsin Department of Transportation has created videos on
roundabout usage.
The
Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety also has a short video as well as other
general information. |
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Citizen Perspectives 
I had stopped in last Friday to discuss
roundabouts with you. I have lived overseas in various countries
over the years and have traveled to many more and have learned to
love the efficiency and ease of roundabouts. As such, I'm forwarding
some information I have recently obtained regarding his subject. In
the e-mail below it should be noted that the chiefs for both the
police and fire departments in Maplewood are on the road speaking to
other communities about the increased safety when roundabouts are
installed.
I am pleased to see that the city of River Falls
is planning to install its first one over by the high school and
look forward to many more in and around the city. If there are any
public meetings/hearings regarding these, I would be interested in
being present to support these projects.
Thanks.
Mike
Kinney
109 N.
3rd St.
River
Falls
As a resident of the South Valley
Second Addition who has occasion to drive the turnabout every single
day, I wanted to let you know how pleased we are with this
improvement to the intersection. From my perspective, the traffic
moves smoothly without delays. Thanks to you and your staff for
developing this alternative to a stoplight.
Mary Scheide
W9402
812th Avenue
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