[twoplanekid]

As we have decided to become full time residents of the Villages and now use a golf cart as a second car, I really don’t want to damage our one and only new car. A prime directive of navigating roundabouts is to not change lanes while in a roundabout as posted on the districtgov.org site and other official Florida sites. Yet, the roundabout we use every day in TV to go home seems to allow a change of lanes while in the roundabout.

The roundabout in question is Buena Vista to Hillsborough when traveling south. This situation is also experienced when using the exit to the gates at Tall Trees, Hendry Dr. and onto Stillwater from Buena Vista. All of these roundabouts have three, rather than the standard four direction entrances.

As you make the left hand turn from the inner lane, you seem to have the option to change to the outer lane to then proceed directly into the quickly encountered resident’s gate. Thus, one is encouraged to break a very important rule of driving in a roundabout? If you remain in the inner lane, you are positioned for the visitor’s gate. However, you can exit the roundabout to cross over into the right lane for the desired resident’s gate if traffic will allow.

The roundabouts for Rainey Tr/Buena Vista, Old Mill Run/Buena Vista, Lake Sumter/Morse and Bonita/Morse are also three way roundabouts. However, these roundabouts force everyone making the left hand turn from the inner lane to proceed to a one lane traffic pattern. No changing of lanes while in the roundabout in this design. You do proceed into a one lane rather than two lane options as in the Hillsborough roundabout. Nevertheless, I prefer this design.

Can or should changes be made? Some would argue to never make changes. In the community we moved from in Ohio, they are in the process of reconstructing the one and only roundabout in the center of town to enhance traffic flow and safety. As TV will continue to grow with increases in traffic flow from many new residents, I would recommend a review of this design to make sure it isn’t confusing and doesn’t conflict with the golden rule of roundabouts. Do not change lanes in a roundabout. If you want to make an exception of this rule just for me for my journey home, that’s ok too.

As the Villages survey limited me to only a 256 character suggestion, I thought I would also take the opportunity to attend today’s Welcome Wednesday meeting to ask this question. As I always try to do, I would solicit your thoughts on this roundabout question.

[fred53]

Perhaps you've noticed that not all drivers use their signals, make complete stops at stop signs(or when making a right turn at a light), keep a safe distance from the car in front of them, swing to far right or left when making a turn, obey speed limits, etc. You can educate the bejesus out of people and there are a large percentage of people who are just to ornery, self centered or entitled to follow safe driving laws and practices.

I applaud your trying to educate these morons, but if it hasn't worked since the car was first put on the roads what makes you think it'll work now. Sure the glass is half full, but like their brains the other half is empty.

[Chatbrat]

Do what you want as long as NO one is along side of your car and believe some other car will do the unexpected--space is your friend- as a pilot, you should know this

[pqrstar]

".. . Thus, one is encouraged to break a very important rule of driving in a roundabout? If you remain in the inner lane, you are positioned for the visitor’s gate."

Residents CAN USE the visitor gate too.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

As we have decided to become full time residents of the Villages and now use a golf cart as a second car, I really don’t want to damage our one and only new car. A prime directive of navigating roundabouts is to not change lanes while in a roundabout as posted on the districtgov.org site and other official Florida sites. Yet, the roundabout we use every day in TV to go home seems to allow a change of lanes while in the roundabout.

The roundabout in question is Buena Vista to Hillsborough when traveling south. This situation is also experienced when using the exit to the gates at Tall Trees, Hendry Dr. and onto Stillwater from Buena Vista. All of these roundabouts have three, rather than the standard four direction entrances.

As you make the left hand turn from the inner lane, you seem to have the option to change to the outer lane to then proceed directly into the quickly encountered resident’s gate. Thus, one is encouraged to break a very important rule of driving in a roundabout? If you remain in the inner lane, you are positioned for the visitor’s gate. However, you can exit the roundabout to cross over into the right lane for the desired resident’s gate if traffic will allow.

The roundabouts for Rainey Tr/Buena Vista, Old Mill Run/Buena Vista, Lake Sumter/Morse and Bonita/Morse are also three way roundabouts. However, these roundabouts force everyone making the left hand turn from the inner lane to proceed to a one lane traffic pattern. No changing of lanes while in the roundabout in this design. You do proceed into a one lane rather than two lane options as in the Hillsborough roundabout. Nevertheless, I prefer this design.

Can or should changes be made? Some would argue to never make changes. In the community we moved from in Ohio, they are in the process of reconstructing the one and only roundabout in the center of town to enhance traffic flow and safety. As TV will continue to grow with increases in traffic flow from many new residents, I would recommend a review of this design to make sure it isn’t confusing and doesn’t conflict with the golden rule of roundabouts. Do not change lanes in a roundabout. If you want to make an exception of this rule just for me for my journey home, that’s ok too.

As the Villages survey limited me to only a 256 character suggestion, I thought I would also take the opportunity to attend today’s Welcome Wednesday meeting to ask this question. As I always try to do, I would solicit your thoughts on this roundabout question.

As soon as this is straightened out, there is Dog Poop and Saving Chairs.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

As soon as this is straightened out, there is Dog Poop and Saving Chairs.

Sounds good.

My suggestion would be for him to relax now that he is here full time.... he'll live longer. My other suggestion would be for him to make a list of the things he doesn't want to change.... it would be shorter.

[Polar Bear]

Like Chatbrat said, just make sure...ALWAYS...that no vehicle is alongside yours.

This corresponds to the most basic rule as you enter the roundabout...yield to all vehicles in the roundabout...both lanes.