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Roundabouts and Traffic Circles Why they are used and how to deal with them.   Engineering Why do we use Roundabouts? A recent ICBC study shows that roundabouts are 80 per cent effective in reducing traffic accidents. Accidents inroundabouts tend to be the less severe sideswipes rather than the deadly T-bone type that occur at stop signs and signals. A similar study in the USA on roundabouts found a 39% reduction in vehicle accidents, a 76% reduction in injury accidents and a 90% reduction in accidents causing death or permanent incapacity. A traffic circle is really just a small roundabout. There are only 8 conflict points in a roundabout compared to 32 in a four way stop condition. Reduced Delay: Since motorists do not always have to stop, delays and queues are usually less compared to Stop signs and traffic signals (especially signals with long cycle lengths and multiple phases). This is true under non-peak traffic conditions and especially evident at high traffic flows. Environmental Benefits: With reduced delay, roundabouts can reduce noise, air pollution and fuel consumption. They also provide opportunities for landscaping and gateway treatments. The first roundabout in Langford is on Bear Mountain Parkway and the most recent one was constructed on Goldstream Ave. The first traffic circle in Langford is on Peatt Road at Brock. Seattle has about 750 traffic circles. Seattle guarantees to remove each traffic circle if the neighbours within a block radius are 60% against it. In the last 12 years they have not removed a single traffic circle. How do you navigate roundabouts? The signs on the approaches and on the circle itself tell you to go around the right side of the circle. Keep going around the circle till you reach your exit. Signal a right turn as you approach your exit. Roundabout Guidelines ENTRY TO THE ROUNDABOUT SLOW to a safe travel speed – Obey posted speed signage UPON APPROACH, be aware of Pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians have the right-of-way The design for many roundabouts include pedestrian crossings outside of the roundabout (either on the approach of exit of the roundabout). Pedestrians have the right-of-way. You must YIELD to pedestrians before entering the Roundabout. Many roundabouts have pedestrian crossings located on the approach and exist lanes of a roundabout. Use caution. ENTER THE ROUNDABOUT when safe to do so You must yield to any car or bike within the Roundabout You must yield to objects on approaching from the left USE OF THE ROUNDABOUT NEVER TURN LEFT WITHIN A ROUNDABOUT The flow within a roundabout is counter-clockwise (or to the right) Traveling within the roundabout – USE OF THE INSIDE APRON do not use the apron (the apron is the slightly raised surface in the center of the roundabout) unless your vehicle requires you to do so. EXITING THE ROUNDABOUT Watch for pedestrians – Many roundabouts have pedestrian crossings located on the approach and exit lanes of a roundabout. Use caution when exiting BIKE / CYCLIST Be aware that cyclists and cars share the same lane There are no bike lanes in a roundabout, motorists must share the road with the cyclist The following links may be useful if you wish to know more about Traffic Circles and Roundabouts. Transport Canada: Roundabout Rules of the Road http://www.usroads.com/journals/rmej/9801/rm980102.htm http://www.roundabouts.ca/livecam.htm Related Articles: Dunford Traffic Advisory - Please be advised that starting Monday August 16, 2010 there will be installation of a concrete ductbank for BC Hydro along Dunford Avenue. Watermain work along Millstream Rd - There will be watermain work along Millstream Rd, between Hordon Rd. and Treanor Ave. for the next 7-8 weeks. Traffic Advisory - Updated list of current construction within the City of Langford. Other News: City of Langford Campfire Regulations 2010 Notice of Public Hearing POSTPONED Bid Package #2 - Structural Steel - Invitation To Tender Arch A Welcoming Addition New Sportsplex Ceremony Draws A Crowd Goldstream Avenue Fountain: Night Pictures COMING SOON! Goudy Branch Library Construction Begins for the New City Centre Park – Sportsplex facility! Claim your Home Owner Grant 2009 Annual Report It’s Goldstream Station Market Time Again! Explore Langford By Bike Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Strategy (CEERS) 2010 Calendar of Events Council and Committee Meeting Schedule Affordable Housing Program Webcam at City Centre Park is Live! Nortel Case Study on Langford City Hall Langford expands Wi-Fi hotspots to City Centre Park! Langford Trolley News New Resident Information Langford launches Wi-Fi hotspots in downtown core! Burning Information 2007/2008 OCP Review Updated Everyone on the same page Microsoft Case Study on Langford City Hall HP + Langford = Everything is Possible Mayor and Council