Navigating Roundabouts - Videos and Interactive Tools
In 2009, the City of Hilliard teamed with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
(MORPC) and other local government agencies to produce a “Rules of the Road” video
for navigating roundabouts. Click the “Keep in the Loop” icon below to view this
video.
The City of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada developed an interactive tool to help motorists
and pedestrians understand the proper way to navigate a roundabout.
Click here to use the Interactive Tool
The following link is to the Wisconsin DOT website where an 11-minute video
entitled “All About Wisconsin Roundabouts” can be viewed.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/roaddesign/roundabout-works.htm
Automobiles
Driving a modern roundabout is safe and easy when you follow a few basic rules of
the road:
- Always slow down as you approach a roundabout. Roundabouts are designed to permit
average speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour while passing through the intersection.
- As with any multi-lane intersection, choose your lane before entering the roundabout
based on your destination. At a 2-lane roundabout, the right-hand entry lane is
generally marked for right turn and through traffic only. The left-hand entry lane
is generally marked for through and left turn traffic only. Never change lanes within
the roundabout.
- When entering, always yield to circulating traffic within the roundabout. This is
the most important rule. Remember, vehicles within the roundabout have the right
of way. If there is no circulating traffic approaching, then you may enter the roundabout
without stopping.
- Always watch for pedestrians in the marked crosswalks located at each entry and
exit point of the roundabout.
Pedestrians
Navigating a roundabout on foot is safe and easy when following these simple rules:
- Cross only at the marked crosswalks. Pedestrians should never walk across the roundabout
to the circular center island.
- When approaching the roundabout, pause on the ramp and look left. When traffic is
clear or stopped, proceed across the first two lanes to the splitter island.
- Once in the splitter island, pause and look right. When traffic is clear or stopped,
proceed across the next two lanes to the ramp.
Bicycles
Cyclists have a choice of methods for how to negotiate a roundabout:
- Less experienced cyclists can dismount their bikes and use the crosswalks as a pedestrian.
- More experienced cyclists can claim the appropriate traffic lane and negotiate the
roundabout as would an automobile. Motorized and non-motorized traffic move at similar
speeds within a modern roundabout.
Typical Signage