Research Identifies Roundabout Characteristics for Safer Bicycling
Posted: May 7, 2024
As roundabouts become increasingly popular, and as many communities promote bicycle use, a major concern is the safety of roundabouts for bicyclists. Researchers at Utah State University studied bicyclists' safety perceptions of and preferences for roundabouts with different characteristics. The researchers found that, overall, U.S. bicyclists prefer roundabouts with smaller central islands, fewer travel lanes, lower traffic volumes, lower speed limits, and separated bicycle lanes. Their research could lead to updated roundabout design guidelines, resulting in safer roundabouts for bicyclists.
As roundabouts become increasingly popular, and as many communities promote bicycle use, a major concern is the safety of roundabouts for bicyclists. Researchers at Utah State University studied bicyclists' safety perceptions of and preferences for roundabouts with different characteristics. The researchers found that, overall, U.S. bicyclists prefer roundabouts with smaller central islands, fewer travel lanes, lower traffic volumes, lower speed limits, and separated bicycle lanes. Their research could lead to updated roundabout design guidelines, resulting in safer roundabouts for bicyclists.