COMMON MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT MODERN ROUNDABOUTS

This article looks at eleven of the most widespread misconceptions that exist regarding roundabouts. For each misconception discussed, a clarification focusing on the benefits and limitations of roundabouts is presented. The eleven misconceptions discussed include: 1) modern roundabouts are the same as traffic circles; 2) roundabouts are unsafe; 3) roundabouts cannot handle high traffic volumes; 4) all popular roundabout software programs can analyze and design roundabouts with high capacities; 5) roundabouts can be designed and constructed without special expertise; 6) roundabouts will not provide downstream gaps for drivers turning out of side streets or driveways; 7) roundabouts are always more expensive than traffic signals; 8) roundabouts will not work with aggressive drivers; 9) roundabouts are confusing; 10) older drivers have a more difficult time negotiating roundabouts than traffic signals; and, 11) roundabouts cannot safely accommodate high volumes of pedestrians and bicycles.