Chaska Herald - Roundabouts: Coming to a road near you - Comments

How do roundabouts impact

Joanna Miller — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:59:09 -0500

How do roundabouts impact emergency response times? I'm sure firetrucks love zig-zagging through roundabouts on the way to a fire call, for example. Thoughts?

I like the roundabout in

Greg Boe — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:06:20 -0500

I like the roundabout in Clover Ridge. It works well, when people use it correctly, and it creates smoother traffic flow.

I fully expected that some folks might be a bit confused when encountering a roundabout for the first time, and I have not been disappointed. Just remember: don’t drive in a clockwise direction within a roundabout, always go to the right (counter-clockwise). You shouldn’t race people for the open spot, nor should you come to a screeching halt and wait for the entire roundabout to be completely empty before you enter. All you have to do is smoothly accelerate (or decelerate, as the situation dictates), and move into the open space in the traffic flow....in much the same way that you would on a freeway entrance ramp.

I do agree that improved signage might help to reduce some of the "roundabout confusion" that exists 'round here.

- Greg (I used to drink caffeine, and I'm a calmer person today without it!)

Roundabouts can be a very

sfwug — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:14:54 -0500

Roundabouts can be a very appropriate solution to increase safety. However, a lack of driver experience is a concern, especially with the roundabout being planned at Bavaria Road and Pioneer Trail as many new, less experienced drivers from Chaska High will be using this intersection.

The city is currently considering better signage at the Bavaria Rd roundabout than currently exists in Clover. The Clover roundabout uses "yield" signs instead of "traffic circle" or "roundabout" warning signs. This may not sound like a major issue, but for inexperienced drivers or those driving into the circle for the first time or even during bad weather with poor visibility, it could create unnecessary confusion.

I've seen drivers at Clover Ridge and Hundertmark Road's accelerate into the circle to "beat" other drivers already in the circle and drive in an aggressive manner to push in front of other vehicles. In their haste to "win" they simply fail to see bicyclists and pedestrians.

While I understand and appreciate Mr. Kachelmyer's dilemma regarding the state manual not being updated, I hope this doesn't delay our fine city in getting appropriate warning signs for our roads. I encourage those who are concerned about safety to support the city in its' quest to obtain better signage from the state and give drivers a clear warning they are about to enter a unique intersection.

Isn't this what the "8th Best City in the US to Live" deserves?

Mike
(always with far too much caffeine)

I love roundabouts. They're

txaggie94 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:49:14 -0500

I love roundabouts. They're safer, and traffic (usually) moves more freely.

However, I hate other drivers who don't understand roundabouts. I constantly see people driving the wrong way, making u-turns, and basically using the roundabouts incorrectly.

It's a simple concept, and it's a better concept. If only people would learn how to use them!
-Katie
(obviously full of too much caffeine)

Roundabouts: Coming to a road near you

Mollee Francisco — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:56:36 -0500

Many drivers glide through and onto their destination with ease. But for others, the roundabout in the heart of Chaska’s Clover Ridge neighborhood is a foreign and curious sight.