Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith P.
And/or generate far more collisions.
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I have to agree with Keith. Roundabouts would be a terrible idea anywhere that there is heavy vehicle traffic AND high pedestrian concentrations. (Eg. Willow Tree intersection).
Everyone wants roundabouts because they "keep traffic moving, without all the stopping and starting". So when exactly do people get across the street? Pedestrian counts are very high in this area with a hospital, hotel, public parks and a high school nearby. Do pedestrians get the right of way like at normal street crossings? In this city where pedestrian is king, I can imagine times of the day when traffic is at a complete standstill because of a near constant stream of pedestrians.
I *hate* walking through the Armdale roundabout with a passion. Drivers have so much to concentrate on getting into and out of it, being in the proper lanes, knowing their exit route, watching other drivers coming in, going out and traveling around. Add to this pedestrians in many short and longer crossings, and poor sight lines from multiple lanes, (the constant curve of the roundabout makes it difficult for drivers to see people or cars approaching if there is heavy traffic in the lane next to them) its quite a distracting place.