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Roundabout the World of Traffic Circles

Ranked #3,656 in Travel & Places, #112,703 overall

Round and Round and Round We Go

They're maddening, they're mesmerizing and sometimes magnificient...

Explore the exciting world of Roundabouts, Traffic Cirlces, Rotaries, Multi-Modal Intersectons and Gyratory Systems!

Once a rarity, they're popping up everywhere here in North America. They come in all sizes and are not necessarily circular. Some are a simple large spot of paint or circle of concrete placed in the center of the road, and others are islands of beauty with flowers, landscaping, trees, sculpture, fountains or even a House of Parliament, as is the case in Canberra, Australia!  

The idea is to calm the flow of traffic and reduce collision rates at intersections. The problem is drivers inexperienced with these types of road features. Though other places around the world and even domestically have commonly utilized traffic cirlces for decades, they have been relatively rare in most parts of the US. European countries, especially France, Britian and its former commonwealth constituents are particularly fond of them. Like a rock in a stream, they are meant to divert the flow of traffic. A poorly designed Traffic Circle can be a miserable bottleneck or an accident waiting to happen, while a well-desinged Roundabout can be a marvel of modern engineering, maximizing safe and efficient traffic flow. 

Here you will find pictures of Famous and Not-so-Famous Traffic Circles and Roundabouts, resources for safe navigation (Books and links to videos- one with a Fire Truck roaring through a roundabout!), and even links to live webcams!  You'll have your chance to share how you feel too with 3 polls and a guest book.

 

Photo: Columbus Circle New York, NY. The first traffic circle completed in the USA in 1905 is still in use today.

 

Lens of the Day

Official Lens of the Day: November 22, 2006

Thanks, Team Squidoo, for picking my Roundabouts lens for LOTD!

This is a great honor, there are some fantastic Lenses out there (stiff competition)!

I'm still spinning...

November 22, 2006
Here's what Team Squid had to say: Roundabout We Go!

Roundabout Sign, USA

If you get lost, just follow the signs...

Have fun, and be sure to visit all 3 polls!
It's your chance to share:

1. How you feel about Traffic Circles (Yea to Nay)
2. Your favorite Roundabout in the whole world!
3. Your valued opinion on this Lens (Brilliant to Bomb)

...and see what others think too!

Want more space to share your thoughts on Roundabouts, Traffic Circles or this lens?
Share them in the Guestbook below!

And thanks for rating me in the Stars Above!

Read About Roundabouts

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Roundabout vs. Traffic Circle: What's the Difference?

What makes a Roundabout a Roundabout and not a Traffic Circle?

The main difference is:

ROUNDABOUT-
Traffic INSIDE the circle has the RIGHT-OF-WAY,
incoming traffic must yield/ give way.

TRAFFIC CIRCLE-
ENTERING traffic has the RIGHT-OF-WAY,
traffic inside the circle must yield/ give way.

Is it a Roundabout?

What makes it a Roundabout?

It is a Roundabout if:
  • Entering vehicles yield
  • Vehicles in the roundabout have priority over the entering vehicle
  • Use deflection to maintain low speed operation
  • No parking is allowed
  • Pedestrians are (usually) prohibited from the central island
  • All vehicles circulate around the central island

Is it a Traffic Circle?

What makes a Traffic Circle?

It is a Traffic Circle if:
  • Stop sign, stop signal, or giving priority to entering vehicles
  • Allow weaving areas to resolve conflicted movement
  • Some large circles provide straight path for higher speed
  • Some large circles permit parking within the circle
  • Some large circles allow pedestrians on central island
  • Mini-traffic circles with left-turning vehicles passing to the left¹ of the central island.

    (1. For countries that drive on the right-hand side of the road.)

Roundabout Game, Keychains & Music!

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Traffic Circle Sign, Australia

What do you think about Traffic Circles?

You spin me right round, baby, right round like a record baby. Righ round, round, round!

(Poll 1 of 3)

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Roundabout the World

Some Famous, and Not So Famous Traffic Circles from Around The World

Get ready for a pop-quiz!
Six continents are represented here. (If you find a roundabout in Antarctica, let me know!)

After you've viewed these lovelies, please take the poll to pick your favorite.
Oh- and remember to rate your impression of this lens in the stars at the top just under the title.

Thanks for visiting...
I hope to see you 'round again soon!

Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile

Paris, France

Yes, the Arc is in the middle of a traffic circle! Part of L'Axe Historique, (Historical Axis), the Arc has sheltered France's 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' since the 1920's.

10 points of entry/ exit, and about as many lanes. This plus a little bread, a little wine, makes it a navigational nightmare!

This view from this place is incredible. A bit hard to find photos that actually show it inside of the traffic circle, so I went with the "pretty one" instead.

It is a most wonderful place to stand under in the rain.

(Go to "Can't Get Enough" links and select "Axe Historique" to get a sense of the overall layout within the context of the city.)

Australian House of Parliament

Canberra, Australia

Roundabout Down Under-

A splendid specimen, the entire Australian House of Parliament is situated within a gargantuan roundabout! Hard to really grasp the size, but just realize, this is HUGE!

Easily qualifies as the largest Traffic Circle in the World.

"The mothership has landed..."

(More photos & history in the "Can't Get Enough" links below.)

Bell Tower

Xi'an, China

Awfully pretty with all those flowers! Xian is an ancient capitol of China, located in the center of the country. It is the site of the famed Terra Cotta Army.

Don't know how long this has been a traffic circle but, built in 1384 by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhangcould, the Bell Tower itself is likely the oldest bit of architecture contained by one.

Roundabout Sign, UK

Note the Clockwise direction of the arrows for countries driving on the left-had side of the road.

The Circus

Bath, England, UK

A large circle of grand townhouses. Completed in 1768, this is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture and city planning. Gorgeous trees as old as the architecture grace the grassy central circle.

One of the streets leads to the Royal Crescent, the grandest of the crescent-shaped rows of Georgian homes in Bath-Spa.

3 Points of entry/exit.

(See "Can't Get Enough" links below for another view.)

Columbus Circle

New York, New York, USA

The first traffic circle completed in the United States (1905).

The central fountain encompasses ascending circular "steps". A tall classical pillar with a statue of Christopher Columbus graces the top.

(See "Can't Get Enough" links below for more photos)

Fish Roundabout

Dubai Deira, United Arab Emirates

A Desert Oasis in this rapidly growing city in this small but wealthy sheikdom on the coast of the Persian Gulf. A lush grove of palms shade a pool of clear water in the middle of an urban scene. At the center of the pool is a beautiful sculpture fountain of two fish entwined.

(Check out the "Can't Get Enough" Links below to see a close-up of the sculpture.)

Roundabout Sign, USA

Kinsale Road Roundabout

Cork, Ireland

Wow, I'm not even going to try to figue this one out!

All I can say is there seems to be a highway that goes right over it as an overpass.

I was in Ireland once, and found navigation to be an interesting thing there. One of those places where overcast skies are common, so relying on the position of the sun is dicey at best. Then there is the matter that things are not often marked. You have people that live in the same place for generations and they all know where and what everything is. Why bother posting a sign?

Kwame Nkrumah Circle

Accra, Ghana

A sophisticated circle in the middle of Accra, capital city of Ghana in western Africa.

Points of entry/exit: 5

London IMAX Theatre

London, England, UK

Crikey! An IMAX theatre right in the middle of a roundabout- what will they think of next?
Gee, it looks kind of like a toy to me...

Brilliant!

Roundabout Sign, Canada

Los Alamitos Traffic Circle

Long Beach, California, USA

Double Circle with a park in the center.

Points of entry/exit:
Inner circle- 4
Outer circle- Hard to tell, but maybe 7

"Magic Roundabout"

Swindon, England, UK

Yikes! Not especially scenic but, wow, this looks SCARY! I thought the illustrations shows it better than the photographs.

Points of entry/ exit: 5
6 Lane, 2-Way, 5 Loop Roundabout.

The small green spots are raised islands for guiding traffic around the internal loops (small white circles). This has to be one of the most complex roundabouts ever!

(More images in the "Can't Get Enough" links below.)

Trafalgar Square

London, England, UK

Yeah, yeah, I know its called a "square", but there really is a traffic circle around the gigantic commons area. This one has the works: treed edges, fountains, sculptures and The iconic spire "Nelson's Pillar". Beautiful spot, but I think this is one of the most pigeon-filled places I've ever been!

Traveller's & Photographer's bane:
As of this writing, Nelson's Pillar is rigged with scaffolding for repair to the statue.

(More images in "Can't Get Enough" links below.)

Traffic Circle Caution Sign, USA

Minerva Fountain

Guadalajara, Mexico

A majestic modern statue of Minerva, goddess of Wisdom, graces this traffic circle. She is surrounded by a ring of Roses and flanked by fountains from behind.

Hard to pick a photo- either you get to see the circle or you get to see that marvelous Minerva.

To be fair, I give you both:

Image hosted by Webshots.com
by saunima

Old Market

Bristol, England, UK

Here's a fancy one from Engand.

Features:
Traffic lights at each entry point
Overpasses for another highway below
Pedestrian bridge
Stairs to a Subway below
Gardens

Points of entry/exit (motor traffic): 4

Ovalo Gutierrez

Lima, Peru

Lovely circle or "ovalo" (doesn't that just sound fun!) with a park. At center is a statue atop a pillar. Couldn't quite see what it is- an angel or an eagle?
There are stairs leading to under-street tunnels for pedestrians to safely enter and leave the circle's park area.
The arch-shaped building to the right is a church.

Unknown Circle

Mysore, India

Lovely gilded dome with a marble statue in the middle!

Have yet to track down a name for it... Perhaps it could be the Rajakrishna Circle, but am not able to confirm this.

If you know the name of this one, please tell me in the Guest Book. Thanks!

Roundabout Sign, Germany

Choose Your Favorite Traffic Circle!

As promised- time for the pop-quiz! No worries, its easy.

(Poll 2 of 3)
Select your favorite traffic circle here.

If you need a review, please scroll back up to see the photos or scroll down to the "Can't Get Enough?" links list for more images. (Note: Links list is under construction. Not all options are listed there.)

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You know you want one...

...for you garage, rumpus-room, barn, office or dorm room!

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See the Arc de Triomphe in Person!
Visit the historical City of Lights, the perfect destination for arts, culture, fine dining, shopping or a romantic holiday!

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Flights to the City of Lights

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Roundabout In Popular Culture and Real Life

Music, Televsion, Film, Comedy and Live Video

Yes (Classic) - "Roundabout"
Platinum Blonde 2 - "Magic Roundabout"
The Magic Roundabout - BBC Children's Show
Roundabout Crash - Clovis, NM
Chaotic Circle - Danang, Vietnam
Bill Bailey - Comedy Sketch "King of the Roundabouts"
Roundabout
by Ryanmcw | video info

5,404 ratings | 2,373,891 views
curated content from YouTube

Animated Demos, Videos & Live Webcams

Roundabouts, Traffic Circles and Rotaries in Action!

Here you'll find:

1.Animated Demos of How To Use & Safety
2.Video footage (one with a FIRE-TRUCK!)
3.Live Webcams

Its one thing to see a still photo, and quite another to see actual traffic in action!

Check out these links to see it all happen...
(Be patient, some take a while to load!)
ANIMATION: Traffic Circle Demo (UK)
Moving graphic of Roundabout Traffic in countries where driving is on the LEFT SIDE of the road.
ANIMATION: Roundabout Demo (USA)
For countries that drive on the RIGHT SIDE of the road.
The city of Sammamish, Washington (USA) has a lovely animated demo of roundabout use and safety with traffic movement and features identified.

Fellow Squidoo lensmaster "thats regrettable" sent this one in. Great link- thanks for sharing!
ANIMATION: How to Use a Roundabout (UK)
For countries with traffic driving on the LEFT SIDE of the road.
United Kingdom video tutorials on how to use a
Roundabouts.
VIDEO: 6 Leg Oval Roundabout
Traffic on a 6-legged Oval Roundabout in Brunswick, Maryland, USA.

Thanks to the folks at Kansas State University's Center for Transportation Research and Training.
VIDEO: Emergency/ Fire Truck
Be prepared: this LOADS FAST and is VERY LOUD!

See how a fire truck handles a well-designed roundabout in the Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Thanks again to the folks at Kansas State University's Center for Transportation Research and Training.
LIVE WEBCAM: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
View live roundabout traffic action!
Brought to you by Ourston Roundabout Canada.
LIVE WEBCAM: Trafalgar Square, London, England, UK
See what's happening in Trafalgar Square.
Views include Nelson's Column, The National Museum and the Church of Saint Martin in the Fields.
Traffic pours in from Charing Cross Road, the Mall, the Strand, and Whitehall, some of the busiest roads in London.

Apparantly the pigeon population has plummeted...
Watch for those famous red double-decker busses!

Take the Roundabout Off the Street...

...and put it on your shirt, your bag, your clock...

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Definitions, History and Safety: Roundabouts & Traffic Circles

General Information Links

Places to see roundabouts and read more about them.
Are Roundabouts and Traffic Circles the Same Thing?
Lounsbury & Associates Engineers in the state of Alaska do a beautiful job of explaining the differences.

It appears the modern Roundabout is a new-and-improved (better engineered) version of a Traffic Circle.
Definition, History and Evolution of the Roundabout
Lounsbury & Assoc. do it again!
GTC Rochester, New York, USA
From the Genessee Transportation Council (GTC) in Rochester, NY.

Description
Types
Photos and graphics
Safety data
Roundabouts: An Informational Guide (PDF Document)
USDT:FHWA (United States Department of Transportation, Federal HighWay Administration)

Visit the Land of Roundabouts

Visit the UK and take some for a spin!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Plenty of roundabouts to see in England!

London - IMAX Theatre, Trafalgar Square
Swindon - The Magic Roundabout
Bath - The Circus

And many, many more.
You'll be spinning round and round and round...

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Weather and Driving Conditions in England, UK

Current Conditions plus 10- Day Forecast

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Signalized Roundabout Advance Warning Sign, USA

Share your Comments & Photos...when you get 'round to it!

Share Your Photos/ Videos

Share your comments or send in your photo or video of a roundabout or traffic circle and you just might see it posted here!

Thanks!

(And just one more poll to go, below. It's the easiest one of all. Keep going-- you're almost there!)

  • thomasz Feb 13, 2008 @ 12:02 am | delete
    Wow really great lens. Come visit my lenses.
  • KCStargazer Jan 30, 2008 @ 9:07 pm | delete
    Could it be a matter of weather and resulting culture? MA can get very COLD, and that makes people hurry because they are trying to stay warm or get to a warm place. Costa Rica is warm already. People take their time because it's just way to hot to rush about in the balmy sunshine.
  • Evelyn_Saenz Jan 30, 2008 @ 8:11 pm | delete
    In Massacheusetts the drivers comming into the circle (or cars with the most dents) have the right of way. In Costa Rica the cars already in the circle have the right of way. The traffic in Costa Rica flows smoothly. Massacheusetts driving is terrifying.
  • ebizsalez Oct 5, 2007 @ 11:12 pm | delete
    very interesting information and a unique lens :)
    i always wondered what if cars kept driving arounf the tarffic circle...

    from fellow lens: bigsaveontravel
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Can't Get Enough?

Links to More Great Photos of Roundabouts & Traffic Circles Around the World

See Famous Traffic Cirlces from Around the World
This section is a work in progress. Check back again for more links...
Australian House of Parliament: Canberra, Australia
Images from the National Library of Australia

A Photographic history of the Australian House of Parliament, the old and new buildings.

Check out the ground views to see the spiffy sculptural spire of a flagpole that sits atop it!
Arc de Triomphe: Paris, France
An icon of Paris.

Beautiful views of and from the Arc.
Arc de Triomphe, Panorama
Lovely panoramas of l'Arc and around Paris.
Detialed map of the area surrounding the Arc, plus an interactive map with other monuments and points of interest in Paris showing them in relation to one another and mouse-over links to pictures.
Axe Historique (Arc de Triomphe)
Wikipedia map showing the amazing layout of this row of monuments through the center of Paris.
Ok, so I got a little carried away with the Arc and Paris...that is what happens when you are in the "City of Lights".
The Circus: Bath, England
Nice aerial view of The Circus and Royal Crescent (left, center) in Bath-Spa, England, UK. Gives a better sense of the overall layout and innovative urban planning of the time.
Columbus Circle, New York, New York
Lovely photos of Columbus Circle Fountain; past and present, aerial and close-up.
Fish Fountain, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Here is a close-up of the Fish Fountain sculpture at the center of the roundabout.
"Magic Roudnaboutd" Swindon, England
SCARY!
An entire website devoted to the "Magic Roundabout in Swindon, England.
Trafalgar Square: London, England
The Official UK Government site.
Book the Square for your own event! Not the greatest photo representations, but there is a 360-webcam.

Traveller's & Photographer's bane:
As of this writing, Nelson's Pillar is rigged with scaffolding for repair to the statue.

Weather, Traffic and Road Conditions

Check here before you hit the road!

Interstate Forecast - USA
Choose from a list of US Interstate Highways on your route to see road conditions ahead of time.
Interstate Forecast Map - USA
Map of Interstate Highways in Continental US.

Was this Lens on Roundabouts helpful to you?

Remember to rank by the stars at the top too!

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Proudly Proclaim Your Love of the Roundabout!

On useful things like coasters, mugs, hats and shirts...

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Roundabout with Stop Sign, Advance Warning, USA

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KCStargazer

Traveller of Earth and Sky  

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