Analysis of Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Auto Interaction at Multilane Roundabouts in the US

This research paper will highlight the findings of a two year study conducted for the California Department of Transportation on the topic of the use of multilane roundabouts and their effect on pedestrian and bicycle behavior. The study involved several methods of data collection including: in-field surveys of pedestrians and bicyclists at multilane roundabouts; video observation of vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle interaction at multilane roundabouts; crash analysis; and vehicular speed analysis. Multilane roundabouts were studied in the states of Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, and California. In addition, focus groups were held in the states of Maryland and California to gather opinions of the perceived safety and operational performance of multilane roundabouts by drivers/pedestrians/bicyclists that use such roundabouts. The study develops a series of recommendations to planners and designers regarding the use of multilane roundabouts in a manner that does not deter bicycle and pedestrian traffic from using roundabouts. The recommendations are based in part on guidance gathered from existing design documents in addition to the data gathered through field observations and survey data. Field observations included the positioning of bicyclists within the circulating roadway and also the choice of bicyclists to traverse the multilane roundabouts as a pedestrian. Focus group findings included the perceived safety of pedestrians at multilane roundabouts with varying designs. The research paper and overall guidance document is intended to address not only the geometric challenges of including pedestrian and bicyclists at multilane roundabouts, but also to assist planners and designers better understand the opinions of non-vehicle users of these roundabouts. While many studies have attempted to understand the best methods to incorporate non-vehicle users at multilane roundabouts through passive means (for example accident analysis), this study sought to understand the implications of various design elements at multilane roundabouts on pedestrian and bicycle behavior and perceived safety.

• Corporate Authors:

  Polytechnic University of Valencia

  Department of Transportation, Camino de Vera
  Valencia,   Spain  46022
• Authors:
  • Flannery, Aimee
  • Ledbetter, Lauren
  • Arnold, Lindsey
  • Jones, Michael
• Conference:
  • 4th International Symposium on Highway Geometric Design
  • Location: Valencia , Spain
  • Date: 2010-6-2 to 2010-6-5
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 19p
• Monograph Title: 4th International Symposium on Highway Geometric Design, June 2-5, 2010, Valencia, Spain

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cyclists; Geometric design; Highway design; Highway safety; Highway traffic control; Pedestrians; Vehicle mix
• Uncontrolled Terms: Multilane roundabouts
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01338165
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 28 2011 1:01PM