A Roundabout Issue...Long and Political.

[NbyNW]

My second least favorite one is like yours - where there is a right turn lane somewhat separate from the roundabout to allow cars just turning right to not really enter it. ...

I wonder instead of lobbying against it, lobby for posted bike signs and education? It would be easy to post suggested speed limits and bike signs and "bikes take lane" (or whatever would be appropriate) in the roundabout entrances?

I agree, I'm not so sure about the safety of the design of your particular roundabout with dual lane entries and single lane exits.

And well-designed signage and education programs could go a long way.

It might be worth your while to do some research to find out what safety/accident statistics exist for roundabouts similar to the one proposed in your community, and at the same time look for some design strategies, whether it be signage, an education program, or a different lane configuration, that might improve bicycle safety in this case.

I would also hope that your DOT/traffic engineers would also have some good data regarding vehicle speeds during peak traffic flow vs. speeds during non-peak times. Overlaying that with what you know about how the number of cyclists using the intersection varies throughout the week might provide valuable insight for all parties.

[Mr. Bloom]

I would also hope that your DOT/traffic engineers would also have some good data regarding vehicle speeds during peak traffic flow vs. speeds during non-peak times. Overlaying that with what you know about how the number of cyclists using the intersection varies throughout the week might provide valuable insight for all parties.

In an experiment in a nearby traffic circle, I informed the City Engineer that someone was able to go straight through at 42mph without any traffic and the tires didn't even squeal. He wasn't surprised, and the point was made.

[TsPoet]

In an experiment in a nearby traffic circle, I informed the City Engineer that someone was able to go straight through at 42mph without any traffic and the tires didn't even squeal. He wasn't surprised, and the point was made.

what point?
I can drive 120 mph on the bypass on my way to work. I could also drive 120 mph through a stop sign. (that's the max speed my car can supposedly drive comfortably according to the MINI forum, I've never driven it that fast to verify).
Roundabouts are wonderful things, they truly are. They are, in fact traffic calming. Stopping is not calming - it results in turbulence. flowing is calming.
Americans need educated on how to drive (and ride) them, though.

[Mr. Bloom]

Calming does not result in more danger than presently exists...

Maybe we are arguing semantics...as a motorist, I have looked forward to this circle for years! Now that I see the design, the only loser I see is a road cyclist turning either left of going straight. Their right to the road is protected by law, but they come out considerably more vulnerable with this design and increased speed.

My point on the speed is that part of the justification for it being traffic calming was the posted 15mph speed...but the engineer himself noted that design will allow for a speed considerably greater than that...making the cyclist that much more vulnerable...

[Mr. Bloom]

Tonight, i learned that the mayor pulled the project from this Year's agenda so the design can be reviewed to address safety concerns.