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Today's blog is all about roundabouts. In fact the name of the site is Roundabouts USA. Although not limited to the US, most of the gallery photos are from the United States.
I should probably keep my opinions to myself on this touchy subject because I have read the literature and the statistics. However, those statistics don't seem to include poorly designed roundabouts. From what I've experienced, the key to a functional roundabout is a large enough diameter to handle the traffic flow and allow for easy entry and exit of traffic. The roundabouts in Wichita (as opposed to ones I've traversed quite easily in cities in Mexico) are restricted to one lane of traffic, causing traffic flow problems rather than reducing traffic flow. It seems they are purposely built to make intersections slow, rather than more efficient. Gotta admit, the ones in Wichita are well landscaped and have adequate safety walls. Have a great Sunday everyone.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
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7 thoughtful remarks:
oh I know what you mean about the traffic flow AND what we have problems with is if the view to your left is TOTALLY restricted how in the heck can you see what is coming in order to merge into the thing so you have to stop almost anyway and then the traffic is all backed up behind you ...I do like roundabouts in general when they are two lane and constructed in a big enough circle and the left side is free enough to see what is coming.
Cynthia Schelzig
When we were out of town a few years ago, our GPS told us to go to the roundabout, and we had no idea what that meant. That's the first time I ever heard of or saw one.
And thanks for the info on the contact paper transfer--I really want to try one now.
For years I have wondered why we didn't have any roundabouts in this country. I fell in love with the ones in France. In the center of every roundabout they have place a beautiful sculpture that is reminiscent of whatever the village or town is famous for. There are antique boats in the coastal towns etc. The ones that are particularly nice are just filled with glorious flowers and plant of all kinds.
Now for our roundabout in Roanoke, Va. I was thrilled that we finally got one. It is not too far from where I live and I really think it has helped the traffic in the area where it is placed. However; and that's the big however. I am waiting for an accident to occur there at any time since noone seems to have a clue as to how to use it, even though the signs very clearly indidate who goes when. Everyone seems to stop when they get to it, just like when it was a regular stop sign. If enough people get used to roundabouts, I think they will be a great addition to solving our traffic problems in this country.
Thanks for the post and also, I'd like to thank you for adding to Diane's posting on paper transfer. You both did a super job in describing it.
Great post! I love roundabouts in neighborhoods because I think they help make people pay more attention to proceeding with caution.
Our county got the first 2 roundabouts in our state a couple years ago. I've used them a few times now and just know that they slow me down as I'm traveling on the state hwy...not one of the county roads that cross it out in farm country.
lol
pretty pictures anyway!
any of the roundabouts i have been through they need to turn them back straight...
have a nice sunday evening
I love the way in amongst all your great arty, painty stuff you post a random about roundabouts!! We have thousands of them here and beign inspired by your pics I did a quick google. Apparently we have a UK Roundabout Appreciation Society...The first recognisable modern roundabout – New York’s Columbus Circle - came into being in 1905..now don't you wish you hadn't started me off...
Thanks for your WOYWW comment, a funderal is a very acceptable reason not to make it round on time!! My excuse is having to go to work!! (oh and my post went up really late weds evening UK time which is why you probably couldn't find it initially)
So..off to look at more pics of roundabouts! (or not...)
Esther xx
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