Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians and bicyclists?

While it depends on the number of pedestrians and vehicles, in many instances, a modern roundabout can be safer for pedestrians than a traffic signal. Pedestrian crossing is reduced to two simple crossings of one-way traffic that is proceeding at relatively slow speeds. Pedestrian safety is improved further by the a pedestrian crosswalk sign placed right where a vehicle enters a modern roundabout. Even with this precaution, it is recommended that pedestrians always use caution and designated crosswalks.

Is a modern roundabout like a four-way stop?

No, a modern roundabout is not a four-way stop. Both intersections are what the engineering community calls a “method of moving traffic,” but four-way stops require all traffic to stop prior to entering the intersection. Modern roundabouts require motorists to yield at entryways. All traffic entering a modern roundabout must follow the golden rule of the modern roundabout: Never merge. Here are some other differences between roundabouts and four-way stops.

What’s the difference between a traffic circle and a modern roundabout?

Many traffic circles require circulating vehicles to grant the right of way to entering vehicles and can be very large or very small. They can operate at higher speeds and often require motorists to move from one lane to another.

Modern roundabouts include improvements such as yielding to as opposed to merging with circulating traffic, deflection at entry and low-speed entry by design.