• What is a roundabout?
  
• Roundabouts, rotaries, traffic circles - how are they different?
  

• Are roundabouts safe?
  
• Are roundabouts better for the environment?
  

• Why are roundabouts different sizes?
  
• Are the roundabouts on Regional roads too small?
  
• I drive a big truck, and that roundabout looks small. Will I fit?
  
• I want to see across the roundabout. Why is there landscaping in the middle of the roundabout?
  
• Why do some intersections have roundabouts and others have traffic signals?
  

• What do the signs at a roundabout mean?
  
• How do I choose the correct lane using signs
  
• How do I signal at a roundabout?
  

• I’m not a confident driver. Should I just drive in the outer lane?
  
• When I’m driving, what do I do when I see a pedestrian?
  
• How do I cycle through the roundabout?
  
• What if an emergency vehicle comes through the roundabout?
  

• What about snow removal at roundabouts?
  
• What are the common types of collisions at a roundabout?
  
• Can I get a copy of the Roundabout Brochure?
  

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is an intersection at which all traffic circulates counterclockwise, to the right of a central island. Entering vehicles must yield to all traffic already in the roundabout.

Roundabouts:

• Reduce injury collisions
• Keep traffic moving
• Reduce unnecessary stops
• Reduce unnecessary idling and air pollution
• Improve intersection appearance

Roundabouts, rotaries, traffic circles - how are they different?

They are all circular but a modern roundabout operates much differently than other traffic circles, including rotaries.

At a modern roundabout:

• traffic entering must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the roundabout
• traffic in the roundabout keeps moving
• gridlock is prevented
• the circles are smaller than rotaries
• traffic travels at slower speeds
• safety is improved

Are roundabouts safe?

Many studies have found that roundabouts are safer than traditional types of intersections. Although there may be as many reported crashes, typically there are fewer injuries and less damage to vehicles because:

• roundabouts have slower and more consistent speeds
• traffic is moving one-way
• roundabouts have fewer conflicts than traditional intersections
• pedestrians crossing roundabouts only have one direction of traffic to cross at a time

Are roundabouts better for the environment?

• Vehicles approaching a roundabout tend to arrive at a slow “rolling” pace rather than the stop/start at a traffic signal resulting in lower fuel consumption
• Motorists have shorter delays and shorter vehicle queues at a roundabout resulting in fewer vehicles idling

Roundabouts conform with Waterloo Region’s emissions control initiatives and “anti-idling” practices.

Why are roundabouts different sizes?

Factors that determine the size of a roundabout generally include:

• the amount of traffic
• an appropriate travel speed

Are the roundabouts on Regional roads too small?

The roundabouts are large enough to accommodate buses and large trucks, but small enough that you need to slow down to go around them.

I drive a big truck, and that roundabout looks small. Will I fit?

The roundabout is designed to handle large trucks.

When using the roundabout:

• straddle the entry lanes
• use both lanes within the roundabout
• don’t try to leave space for another vehicle to pass you

I want to see across the roundabout. Why is there landscaping in the middle of the roundabout?

The landscaping is placed so drivers can’t see across the roundabout. This is so drivers cannot see the headlights of oncoming vehicles at night. This gives drivers a clear indication that there is an obstruction in the roadway and that they cannot drive straight ahead. As a driver, you should be looking to the left, not across the roundabout, to see what traffic is approaching. There is enough sight distance to see approaching traffic.

Why do some intersections have roundabouts and others have traffic signals?

Region of Waterloo staff evaluate each intersection individually to determine whether a roundabout or a traffic signal will be more effective.

What do the signs at a roundabout mean?

	Roundabout ahead
	The roundabout is at the intersection Highland Rd. W. and Ira Needles Blvd. Choose your destination.
	Keep to the right
	There are two entry lanes to this roundabout – choose the correct lane for your destination. If you are turning left, get in the left lane. If you are turning right get in the right lane. If you are going straight through you can be in either lane.
	Yield to all traffic in the roundabout including pedestrians at the crosswalk. Remember “Yield” means you may have to stop!
	One-way traffic (counter-clockwise) in a roundabout
	This exit is Arthur Street. Use your right-turn signal to signal your exit.
	Yield here to pedestrian.
	Right lane ends. Find a suitable gap and merge with traffic in left lane. If you are already in the left lane, if necessary, be prepared to provide a gap for merging traffic

How do I choose the correct lane using signs? Look and plan ahead!

1.	Identify the road destination you want and note the position of the exit leg. Similar to approaching a traffic signal, if you are turning right, enter the right lane; if you are turning left, enter the left lane.
2.	Lane designation signs represent actual lane configuration. There are various lane combinations possible depending on the design of the roundabout. In this example, the left lane permits left-turn movements only. The right-lane permits both straight-through and right -turn movements. The circular symbol on the left lane designation sign represents the central island of the roundabout and therefore this lane is the inside (left-most) lane..
3.	Do not change lanes within the roundabout
4.	Flag exit signs are situated on splitter islands and identify each leg of the roundabout. These signs are intended to reassure that you have chosen the appropriate exit leg.
5.	At many multi-lane roundabouts, the outer curb lane may terminate beyond the roundabout. Look for a safe gap and merge into the left lane. If you are in the left lane, be prepared to allow other motorists to merge safely.

How do I signal at a roundabout?

When taking the first exit (turning right)

• signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
• keep to the right in the roundabout and continue signalling right to leave

When going straight through

• select the appropriate lane on approach to and in the roundabout
• stay in this lane until you need to exit the roundabout
• signal right after you have passed the exit before the one you want and exit directly from the lane in which you are travelling

When taking the last exit (turning left) or going full circle (u-turn)

• signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
• keep to the left in the roundabout
• signal right after you have passed the exit before the one you want and exit directly from the lane in which you are travelling

I’m not a confident driver. Should I just drive in the outer lane?

You must drive in the proper lane.

If you are turning left:

• enter from the left lane
• travel in the inner lane of the roundabout

If you are turning right:

• enter from the right lane
• travel in the outer lane of the roundabout

If you are driving straight through:

• you may enter from either the left lane or the right lane

Do not change lanes in the roundabout. Exit directly from the lane in which you are travelling, as shown the pictures below.

(Click picture to load an enlarged version)
Turning right and turning left	Driving straight through a roundabout

When I’m driving, what do I do when I see a pedestrian?

Instructions for both drivers and pedestrians are under the following link to Pedestrians

How do I cycle through the roundabout?

A cyclist has a number of choices at a roundabout. Your choice will depend on your degree of comfort riding in traffic.

For experienced cyclists

• ride as if you were driving a car
• merge into the travel lane before the bike lane or shoulder ends
• ride in the middle of your lane; don't hug the curb
• watch out for drivers' blind spots

For less confident cyclists

• dismount and walk your bicycle
• follow the instructions for walking through the roundabout which are under the link to Pedestrians

What if an emergency vehicle comes through the roundabout?

• If you have not yet entered the roundabout, pull to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass you
• If you are in the roundabout, exit as normal, then pull to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass you
• Do not stop inside the roundabout because you may block the emergency vehicle

What about snow removal at roundabouts?

Road Crews have changed the way they clear snow. Generally there have been no problems with snow removal in roundabouts.

What are the common types of collisions at a roundabout?

There are three types of collisions that are more common:

1. Rear end collision. This occurs when a vehicle hits the back of another vehicle, usually at the entrance to the roundabout.
2. Entering collision. This occurs when a vehicle entering the roundabout does not yield to a vehicle already in the roundabout.
3. Exiting collision. This occurs when a vehicle in the outer lane does not yield to a vehicle that is exiting from the inner lane.

Can I get a copy of the Roundabout Brochure?

Yes. You can get a brochure from the Transportation Division by calling 519-575-4558, emailing at transportation@region.waterloo.on.ca or clicking on the following link to Sights and Sounds