Roundabouts

A modern roundabout is a ring-shaped intersection where several roads meet. Traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island.

The roundabout’s shape forces drivers to slow down, which reduces the number and severity of accidents.

Its design ensures pedestrian safety with crosswalks located before the right-of-way line. Pedestrians cross roundabouts before motorists enter the circle. Vehicles already in the roundabout and preparing to exit must yield to pedestrians.

Roundabouts can accommodate many types of vehicles, such as heavy trucks, buses and emergency vehicles. Modern roundabouts are equipped with aprons to facilitate manoeuvring for drivers of these types of vehicles.

Why build roundabouts?

They provide greater safety, help reduce wait times, and slightly reduce fuel consumption since drivers have to stop less often. They also help improve the flow of traffic compared to traffic lights.

How do you use a roundabout?

Drivers

  • Slow down.
  • Yield the right of way to pedestrians, as well as to drivers already in the roundabout.
  • Once the way is clear, enter the roundabout in a counterclockwise direction.
  • Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to exit the roundabout and yield the right of way to pedestrians.

Pedestrians

  • Go to the pedestrian crosswalk.
  • Press the button to activate the rapid flashing lights.
  • Check to see if drivers or cyclists are approaching and wait for them to yield the right of way.
  • Cross one lane at a time, using the splitter islands.
  • Never cross the central island.

Cyclists

  • If you choose to use the pedestrian crosswalks, walk next to your bicycle and follow the rules for pedestrians.
  • If you stay on your bicycle, follow the same rules as drivers.

What should you do when you see an emergency vehicle?

If you are still outside the roundabout, pull over to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass.

If you are already in the roundabout, continue to the exit and pull over to the right once you have passed the splitter island. Do not stop in the roundabout; continue and exit normally.

Did you know?

Roundabouts have eight conflict points between vehicles, compared to 32 in a traditional intersection, thus reducing the risk of collision. A conflict point is a place where two users cross or intersect.