Page 48 - August Life In Naples Magazine

WHAT COMES AROUND,
GOES AROUND

by Michelle Avola
Executive Director of NPC Although there are
I f you have been driving or biking around town, you’ve probably differences of opinion,

noticed some new intersection upgrades like this roundabout on
modern roundabouts
Central Avenue. Although there are differences of opinion, modern
have been deemed a
roundabouts have been deemed a “proven safety counter-measure”
by the U.S. Department of Transportation. “proven safety counter-
measure” by the

U.S. Department of
Transportation.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR MOTORISTS

WHEN USING A ROUNDABOUT:
• Decide where you want to go (which exit you will take).
• Slow down upon approaching the roundabout and ALWAYS
go to the right and travel in a counterclockwise direction.
• The vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-
way but must allow entry to those on bicycles and yield to
pedestrians.
• Use your turn signal prior to making your exit, and if you
Did you know personal injuries and fatalities drop as much as happen to miss your street, continue traveling around the
90 percent in modern roundabouts as compared to conventional circle until you are at your exit.
intersections according to the Federal Highway Administration?
Because roundabouts can handle 30-50 percent more traffic, they NOW A COUPLE TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS:
also improve traffic flow and reduce travel times. Pedestrians have an • Stay on designated walkways and crosswalks, and never cross
easier time crossing because they must only watch one direction of to the center of the roundabout.
traffic at a time. Bicyclists can safely use the road to travel through • Even though pedestrians have the right-of-way, always watch
the roundabout, or they can use the pedestrian crossings if that feels for cars.
more comfortable.
Many people who feel uncomfortable navigating a roundabout say AND FINALLY, SOME TIPS FOR CYCLISTS:
they are unsure how to drive or ride through them. The City of Naples • If you are approaching a roundabout from a bike lane, merge
has been circulating educational materials to help everyone better into the entry lane.
understand how to safely use them. The State of Florida Department • When on a road, bicycles are considered a vehicle, and
of Transportation has created the brochure to explain the usage and should enter the roundabout much like an automobile,
benefits of roundabouts. yielding to traffic already on the roundabout.

48 Life in Naples | Aug/Sept/Oct 2018