General Road and Highway Discussion

[danbrotherston]

At rush hour, there seems to be less traffic flowing through than on Ira Needles, so roundabouts wouldn't get backed up as much. However, there would be more pedestrian activity along here meaning it might not be as safe for pedestrians as signalized intersections.

Roundabouts have their dangers for pedestrians, but do you really think they are more dangerous than signalized intersections?

The statistics suggest that yes, they may be--9 of the 10 the most dangerous pedestrian intersections in the city are signalized intersections, the worst roundabouts in the city don't even make this list for pedestrian collisions.

Roundabouts should be safer for pedestrians for some of the same reasons they're safer for motorists.  Lower speeds (certainly at the 85th percentile), and many fewer directions to be hit by a car at any given moment.  

They're certainly far more uncomfortable for pedestrians, especially those who are not experienced with them.