Cycling in Waterloo Region

[danbrotherston]

I specifically go out of my way to avoid any roundabouts in the region. I have never felt safe crossing one as a pedestrian. IMO roundabouts with 2 lane exits are incompatible with pedestrian crossings (and cycle crossings if we built those). I'm curious if the Dutch build any 2 lane roundabouts without building a cycling underpass?

This is all slightly off topic, but personally I find that crossing islands exacerbate the yielding right of way problem you are all describing. Not saying it's better to not have the crossings, it's just a different set of problems. Ideally the crossings would just have right of way to remove confusion. More blinking lights like in Victoria Park would be great.

The Dutch generally use grade separation on any roundabout that is more than one lane per exit leg. I'm sure there are counter examples, but that is the most common situation.

Of course, multi-lane roads like that are not as common...as here.

I agree with crossing islands, they make the yielding problem worse. It stems from the ambiguity of our crossings. Many drivers believe they don't have the right of way. This ambiguity is the problem...in some instances, it makes roads safer, but only at low speeds. We have high speeds with right of way ambiguity...like I said, pessimal.

Fun fact, the blinking lights are do not give the right of way, in theory, a driver must stop for pedestrians whether or not the lights are flashing, the lights are only there to enhance attention.