Roundabouts are here! More are on the way. Tourism and growth in Brevard are bringing more and more traffic. How do we navigate these changes safely? The City of Brevard and the Blue Zones Project have partnered together for two presentations where international traffic and safety expert Dan Burden will break down the risks and solutions for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to successfully negotiate the roundabout. The two presentations will be identical, so choose the one that suits your schedule best. Both will be at the Brevard City Council Chambers. The first will take place Thursday, April 28th at 6:30 p.m. and the second will be Friday, April 29th at 11:00 a.m.
Why have a discussion on traffic safety and roundabouts? Well, roundabouts are new to Brevard and relatively new to traffic in general. Though they have been used for decades, roundabouts are suddenly being used more and more in high traffic volume areas by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Roundabouts have been shown to move more traffic through intersections quicker than traditional traffic lights by changing the unnatural “stop and go” movement to a low-speed steady flow with much less stopping. Studies show that once drivers understand how to use these traffic control devices, they are safer than traditional intersections. Serious crashes plummet 80-90%. The key is learning how to move through the roundabouts.
Are roundabouts also safe for bikes and pedestrians? Absolutely! The key points of assuring safety must be understood by all four types of users: Drivers of cars, freight and transit, drivers of bicycles and pedestrians. These informative sessions will explain the nature of the roundabout slowing vehicle traffic and highlight the necessity that pedestrians follow the traffic patterns, including the crosswalks and sidewalks, in moving through the roundabout. The roundabout also allows bicyclists who chose to do so to move into the center of their chosen lane due to the reduced speed of all traffic.
Look for more information on traffic safety from Blue Zones and the City of Brevard. Let’s make safety a priority.