Round and Round: Roundabouts are coming to Central Florida

Ready or not, roundabouts are coming to Florida. And it’s best to be ready for them.

Last year, the Florida Department of Transportation adopted a roundabout policy and is encouraging its use on future road projects, directing other areas to build at least two roundabouts within a five-year span.

Lake County recently welcomed its newest roundabout at the intersection of county roads 455 and 561. And let’s not forget roundabouts already located in Thornton Park, the town of Windermere, Baldwin Park and Winter Garden.

So here’s a refresher guide to help you safely navigate a roundabout:

If you’re a motorist:

• Determine where you want to go.
• Approach the roundabout as you would a typical four-way intersection.
• Stay to the right on the splitter island and SLOW DOWN to 10-15 mph.
• If you are making a right turn, you should be in the right lane; if you are making a left turn, you should be in the left lane; through movements can be made from either lane.
• Watch for bicyclists and allow for them to merge into the entry lane.
• Watch for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross.
• YIELD to traffic already in the roundabout.
• Do not turn left at the splitter island.
• Once you are in the roundabout, do not stop, except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Travel in a counter clockwise direction. Do not change lanes.
• Look for your street, use your right-turn signal and exit the roundabout.
• As you exit the roundabout, watch for and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
• If you miss your street, simply travel around the roundabout again and exit at the desired street.

If you’re a pedestrian:

• Stay on the designated walkways at all times, crossing only at designated crosswalks.
• Never cross to the central island.
• Watch for cars; you have the right-of-way, but your best protection is your own attention.
• Cross the crosswalk one lane at a time, using the splitter island as a refuge area before crossing the next lane.

If you’re a bicyclist:

• If comfortable riding in traffic, you may ride on the circulatory roadway of the roundabout like a car.
• As you approach the roundabout, merge into the entry lane before the shoulder or bike lane ends.
• Communicate your intentions to drivers by pointing to your destination.
• If uncomfortable riding in traffic, dismount your bicycle at the crosswalk and move to the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, walk your bicycle like a pedestrian.