Why is S.A.V.E. promoting the use of roundabouts when New Jersey has realized how stupid this concept is and is removing all of theirs?

The modern roundabouts proposed by S.A.V.E. for Route 41 are far different than the old traffic circles that have been made infamous in New Jersey. New Jersey is now actually in the process of replacing many of their few remaining traffic circles with modern roundabouts. Maryland has now installed more than 30 of them, and one can be found nearby just south of Rising Sun on Route 276. The modern roundabout has specific design criteria standardized by Great Britain in the early 1980's and did not make an appearance in the U.S. until the mid-1990s. Any traffic circle built in the U.S. prior to 1994 is most likely not a conforming roundabout. Modern roundabouts are a form of intersection control similar, but often far superior to, traffic signals. They provide increased capacity, along with a vastly increased safety record, reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, aesthetic improvements, improved multi-modal connectivity, and without inducing additional traffic. The modern roundabouts proposed within Avondale could catalyze revitalization through improved aesthetics, slowing traffic and encouraging pedestrian traffic.

How do drivers that have never before encountered a roundabout learn how they function?

Well-designed roundabouts are easy and intuitive to drive. New roundabouts in the U.S. generally have lower speeds while drivers are getting accustomed to them. After the introductory period, speeds rise to normal levels as driver confidence grows.

The State of Maryland has installed approximately 30 roundabouts in the past few years, and has developed a brochure to educate drivers on how they function. These are distributed to motorists passing through the area in advance of a roundabout opening. Initially, stop signs are also used in lieu of yield signs during the initial period. The Maryland State Highway Administration has an excellent Use Guide on its web site [see http://www.sha.state.md.us/safety/oots/roundabouts/index.asp].

How can I be sure that roundabouts will accommodate large trucks, emergency vehicles and farm equipment?

Design guidelines vary greatly for roundabouts, but their design can certainly take into consideration the corridor's need for larger overall diameters and larger entry and exit lanes. In fact, the left turn radii are often much larger than at traffic signals. A truck apron, often constructed with a different material or different color material, accommodates wheels of exceptionally large vehicles while visually defining the circle for the average driver.

Are there national or international standards for motorists encountering roundabouts, or will they be confusingly inconsistent wherever I go?

There are national and international standards that have been adopted, namely the "yield on entry" rule. In the modern roundabout, all entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic.

Why do roundabouts need to be so big?

The size of a roundabout is determined by capacity needs, the size of the largest vehicle, the need to achieve appropriate speeds throughout the roundabout, and other factors. To handle typical trucks with overall wheelbases of 50 feet or more, a single-lane roundabout needs to be at least 100 feet in diameter and is typically 120 to 140 feet in diameter.

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 safe near schools?

Several roundabouts have been installed near schools in the United States, including locations in Montpelier, Vermont; Howard, Wisconsin; University Place, Washington; and Kennewick, Washington. None has reported any significant problems. For the Howard, Wisconsin, location, prior to the opening of the roundabout, the school required all school children to arrive by bicycle or car because it was unsafe to cross the street. Since the roundabout opened, children now have a safe crossing location, aided by a crossing guard.

Are roundabouts appropriate everywhere?

No. The choice of using a roundabout versus a traffic signal is a case-by-case decision. The Maryland State Highway Administration evaluates each candidate intersection individually to determine whether a roundabout or a traffic signal is more effective.

I drive a big truck, and that roundabout looks awfully tight. Will I fit?

Yes. The roundabout has been designed specifically to accommodate large vehicles such as yours. As you approach the roundabout, stay close to the left side of the entry. As you pass through the roundabout, your trailer may drag over the special apron around the central island - it was designed specifically for this purpose. As you exit, again stay close to the left side of the exit. Click here for a demonstration of this. At a multilane roundabout, you may need to occupy the entire circulatory roadway to make the turn. Signal your intention in advance and claim both lanes on approach to the roundabout.

What should I do when I'm in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle arrives?

If the roadway in the roundabout is wide enough, you may be able to pull as far to the right as possible and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. However, it is generally better to completely clear the intersection and pull off to the side past the roundabout.

How about riding a bicycle through a roundabout?

A bicyclist has a number of options at a roundabout, and your choice will depend on your degree of comfort riding in traffic. The speed of cars through a roundabout are typically 15 to 25 mph, 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. Remember that cars should be traveling at speeds similar to your speeds.

What about snow removal at roundabouts?

A number of communities in snowy areas have installed roundabouts, including 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. Roundabouts make it easier to turn snowplows as well.

With thanks to the Maryland State Highway Administration for providing the last eight FAQ's and answers.