A roundabout is a circular intersection without stop signs or traffic signals. Whitchurch-Stouffville has over a half a dozen through-out our neighbourhoods and more being built on regional, municipal and provincial roads.
Benefits of roundabout
Roundabouts offer the many benefits to vehicular and cycling traffic and offer a safe environment for pedestrians. Roundabouts offer:
a continuous traffic flow where traffic does not stop within the intersection;
lower travel speeds;
lower chance of severe collisions
increased pedestrian safety.
They can cost less to operate and maintain and reduce emissions, when compared to traffic signals.
How to drive in a roundabout
Approaching and Entering a Roundabout:
Always slow down while approaching a roundabout
Stop for any pedestrians or cyclists using the crosswalk
Yield to any traffic or cyclists currently in the roundabout and stop if needed
Proceed only when there is a safe gap in traffic
Within the roundabout:
Always drive counter-clockwise
Drive slow and be alert for entering traffic
Never pass another vehicle or stop within a roundabout
Remember all entering traffic must yield to you
Exiting the Roundabout
Always signal your exit
Be aware of any pedestrians or cyclists using the crosswalk
Continue down your street and do not stop close to the roundabout
Special circumstances
Emergency Vehicles
If you encounter an emergency vehicle outside the roundabout, pull over before entering
If you encounter an emergency vehicle inside the roundabout, exit as soon as possible, and then pull over if necessary
Never stop within a roundabout
Pedestrians
Pedestrians must cross the roads outside the roundabout and should never use the center island
Pedestrians should stop and wait for a gap in traffic and then proceed across the crosswalk
Pedestrians cross one direction of traffic at a time and utilize the center median
Cyclists
Cyclists may use a roundabout as any other vehicle, and obey all highway traffic laws, or
Cyclists may dismount and use the roundabout as a pedestrian
Traffic must always be cautious of all cyclists at all times
Two-Lane Roundabouts
Some roundabouts have more than one lane within them
If you are exiting a roundabout at the first exit, enter and stay in the outer lane
If you are exiting a roundabout after the first exit, remain in the inner lane and exit from that lane
