Methods of Crossing at Roundabouts for Visually Impaired Pedestrians: Review of Literature

Because roundabouts offer so many beneficial features to a community, it is important that they are made as safe as possible for all users and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. There have been several studies conducted with the purpose of creating a safer crossing environment for visually impaired pedestrians at roundabouts. These studies focus on four methods: crosswalk placement, sound applications, signalized options, and automated yield detection. The purpose of this review paper is to explore these possible solutions, identifying the advantages and disadvantages, the practicality, and the overall performance of each solution. The research done here will also address which methods may be most appropriate for low volume roundabouts, moderate volume roundabout, and high volume roundabouts, as well as for one-lane roundabouts and two-lane roundabouts. When evaluating each option, it’s also important to estimate the effect it will have on the flow of traffic and travel demand management. An ideal solution will allow access to all users while maintaining the initial benefits of a roundabout.