Safety, Mobility and Roundabouts

摘要

As communities focus more on non-motorized users, roundabouts are increasingly being included in the discussion. This paper focuses on how roundabouts can increase the safety and mobility of non-motorized users, while also benefitting motor users. A modern roundabout is a traffic control system that controls vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, on-street transit vehicles, and sometimes even trains. Well-designed roundabouts have proven to be the safest form of intersection control while improving mobility for all users in all types of weather. Even their aesthetics can improve the pedestrian environment. Roundabouts are gaining support and popularity for their ability to significantly improve intersections. They reduce crashes, improve vehicle capacity, moderate vehicle speeds, facilitate pedestrian crossings, and improve bicycling and transit operation. Furthermore, roundabouts can extend the improved area for all users beyond the intersection when used to implement road diets.