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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Roundabouts (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/roundabouts-141546/)

bagboy 02-01-2015 10:25 AM
On a daily basis we all see drivers using the roundabouts improperly, and I am sure that is not going to change. It just amazes me how complicated some people make this. In most if not all cases, two lanes approach a circle. If a car is in the right lane, it can go straight, or make the first right. If a car is in the left lane, it can go straight or go around to make a left. A very simple concept without the need for signage, arrows, flashing lights, etc.
If you are making the left and have to scramble to get into the residents lane, a driver should not be next to you. They are not yielding right of way to you, the driver already in the circle. But I know this happens frequently. Having a drivers license comes with the responsibility of knowing how to legally operate your vehicle on public roadways. Roundabouts, intersections, etc. Still, it would be wise to be very cautious and always expect the unexpected.

Chi-Town 02-01-2015 10:26 AM
An important rule is to YIELD to traffic already in the roundabout.

cquick 02-01-2015 10:27 AM
In my opinion, many newbies panic in the roundabouts. They don't realize that they can just keep on driving straight, and make a complete circle at the next roundabout to get back to their original turn. Too many people try to turn left from the right lane!

daca55 02-01-2015 02:05 PM
I agree with Tomwed. One lane would end all the confusion and I believe they are idiot proof. The only sign necessary is the car in the circle has the right of way.

Challenger 02-01-2015 02:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by daca55 (Post 1004714)
I agree with Tomwed. One lane would end all the confusion and I believe they are idiot proof. The only sign necessary is the car in the circle has the right of way.
Worth a try on at least one circle for a month or so!

villagetinker 02-01-2015 02:43 PM
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1004393)
http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/Portals/0/...roundabout.gif

Multi-lane Roundabout
I found it on the same site. click here

Is this what we have?
Modern is not my definition. And maybe this also would be considered modern.

I really haven't studied it the way someone who does this for a living would. It just seems to me that one lane may slow traffic down and be less confusing. This would make it safer.
Nowhere have I seen any documentation what you are supposed to do at the multiple roundabouts with the yellow lines forcing you to ONE LANE, see attached photograph. Perhaps if all of the roundabouts were the SAME it would eliminate some of the confusion.

annaconner 02-01-2015 02:56 PM
It is as simple as that- left turn, left lane, right turn right lane, straight on both lanes.

tomwed 02-01-2015 03:09 PM
If there was just one lane on the right for everyone but emergency vehicles maybe that would speed them up to their destination too. Whenever I hear a siren I look in the mirror and always seem to move to the right as far as I can. I don't remember if that's what I was taught or that's what I read, it's just an automatic response to get out of the way.

alzjr 02-01-2015 03:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunnyatlast (Post 1004373)
It's been discussed at length on TOTV about the fact that the county highway engineers required the 2-lane roundabouts, because of the high volume of traffic that needs to keep moving.

As for trying to turn left and then scramble to get into the Resident's lane for the gate coming up, that, too has been discussed at length:

Forget about the Resident's lane at that type of entrance, and use the Visitor lane so you can safely stay in the same lane in which you came 3/4 of the way around the circle. Both Visitor and Resident lanes have the gate card readers and the red button to raise the gate.
That is way too simple to understand. How can these roundabout threads continue with such an easy answer.

alzjr 02-01-2015 03:20 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phanatic Luvr (Post 1004364)
Maybe a better idea is for someone to contact the Daily Sun and request they run a HUGE good driving campaign on the front page. This would also need to be re-run around March 1st or 2nd when the new wave of seasonals come in. And, continue to run it on occasion, throughout the year for newbies and some of the residents who still don't get the round-abouts. Just my thoughts ...
The Daily Sun had a complete article on roundabouts in Thursday's paper. Trouble was it was hidden in the Recreation New's weekly article called Our Place.

Polar Bear 02-01-2015 03:32 PM
To those who say a single lane would solve the problems...do you really think that Morse and Buena Vista could function as 2-lane roads? Because if you want the roundabouts to have a single lane, that is what you're asking for. 4 lanes on Morse and Buena Vista would be a total waste and not increase capacity by a single vehicle over 2 lanes if they had to funnel down to one lane to enter the circles.

The threads complaining about the resulting traffic backups, the conflicts caused by the required merging (if Morse and Buena Vista were kept as 4-lane roads), and the enormous delays would dwarf those now complaining about the roundabouts.

alzjr 02-01-2015 03:46 PM
Approach a roundabout in the left lane and go around in the inside lane 10 times and exit. Approach the next roundabout in the right hand lane and try to go around 10 times in the outside lane without getting hit. Please post your results.

kcrazorbackfan 02-01-2015 04:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by memason (Post 1004626)
Just watch the LEO's around the Villages and see how often they use their turn signals.... You might be surprised.
Probably very few percentage. I'm surprised we don't have a lot of Gomer Pyle's trying to make citizens arrests on LEO's for things like that. 😉

buzzy 02-01-2015 04:38 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 1004731)
Nowhere have I seen any documentation what you are supposed to do at the multiple roundabouts with the yellow lines forcing you to ONE LANE, see attached photograph. Perhaps if all of the roundabouts were the SAME it would eliminate some of the confusion.
You've got that right. Most people that I've seen, just drive over it. The written guidelines just ignore it.

villagetinker 02-01-2015 08:01 PM
It is interesting because every article I have seen shows TWO (2) COMPLETE lanes around the roundabouts, so back to my original question why are some for these LINED OUT for the interior lanes????

Mikeod 02-01-2015 10:35 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 1004889)
It is interesting because every article I have seen shows TWO (2) COMPLETE lanes around the roundabouts, so back to my original question why are some for these LINED OUT for the interior lanes????
Those are lined out where the road you are entering is only one lane. This prevents two vehicles from trying to exit onto a single lane road. You'll see this at the Buena Vista roundabout near Turtle Mound, and the one on Morse near the County Annex before the bridges. There are others but I can't think of them right now. Interestingly the one near the Sarasota range has two lanes even though the Moyer Loop has only one lane.

Polar Bear 02-01-2015 10:53 PM
Roundabouts
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikeod (Post 1004932)
Those are lined out where the road you are entering is only one lane. This prevents two vehicles from trying to exit onto a single lane road. You'll see this at the Buena Vista roundabout near Turtle Mound, and the one on Morse near the County Annex before the bridges. There are others but I can't think of them right now....
Yep. Another example is the roundabout at Morse heading into Lake Sumter Landing.

njbchbum 02-01-2015 11:50 PM
With the way TOTV posters moan and groan about the folks who drive too fast and the folks who drive too slow besides the folks who don't know how to navigate a roundabout...can you imagine the threads and posts that would result from the way no one merged properly into the one lane around the roundabout? Oy vey!

villagetinker 02-02-2015 09:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikeod (Post 1004932)
Those are lined out where the road you are entering is only one lane. This prevents two vehicles from trying to exit onto a single lane road. You'll see this at the Buena Vista roundabout near Turtle Mound, and the one on Morse near the County Annex before the bridges. There are others but I can't think of them right now. Interestingly the one near the Sarasota range has two lanes even though the Moyer Loop has only one lane.
AHH! I see the point, I had not noticed the SINGLE LANE roads to the side. Very good point, thank you.

Barefoot 02-02-2015 10:33 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 1004579)
The safest solution is for all vehicles to navigate the roundabouts is by staying in the roundabout outer lane.
Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid (Post 1004607)
If you are in the outside lane (the one next to the curb...) then you MUST leave the circle at the very next exit.....no continuing to the next exit in the outside lane.

I understand the frustration of posters who keep repeating valid instructions on how to navigate the roundabouts properly.
However the nature of The Villages is a lot of newbies and renters and seasonal residents.
The above two posts written by two esteemed residents of The Bubble offer conflicting advice.
This is why roundabouts will continue to be dangerous.
If two experienced Frogs disagree, then renters and newbies just can't be expected to always follow the rules.
Many people don't have time to read the signs without stopping at the yield sign - which will only serve to infuriate the drivers behind.
Roundabouts will continue to be driven according to the whim of the driver.
I continue to see people whizzing through the roundabouts without a care or caution in the world.
The only way to survive is to expect the unexpected, slow down, and drive defensively.

billethkid 02-02-2015 12:11 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan (Post 1004795)
Probably very few percentage. I'm surprised we don't have a lot of Gomer Pyle's trying to make citizens arrests on LEO's for things like that. 😉
There is no citizen's arrest rule/law in Florida.

I personally believe if there was we would see some improvement in how people drive here in TV.

Having a citizen's arrest dictates one must be able to prove the claim as well as confronting who is accused....face to face. This is where the bravery and bravado of the anonymous shrinks to a whisper or no comment at all!!!

Bonanza 02-03-2015 02:54 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1004562)
How many deaths have there been in The Villages roundabouts?
How many deaths? I have no idea, but there are accidents caused by people who don't know how to drive around these circles.

Judging by the number of ongoing threads and posts on this subject tells you that everyone drives them differently and therein lies the problem.

PaPaLarry 02-03-2015 05:17 AM
Best Way? Go by cart!!!!:BigApplause::BigApplause:

outlaw 02-03-2015 08:11 AM
Where I moved from, we had one area in the city where roundabouts were installed. There were two lanes of traffic merging into and exiting single lane roundabouts. Contrary to what some may think, during rush hours, the traffic moved smoothly through these roundabouts. Was there some back up of cars at the entrance to the roundabout? Yes. But much less than if you had a stop sign or a light at these intersections. I, too, was surprised that the two lanes to one lane would not have caused a lot more congestion, but it didn't. I wish the authorities would try one at the northern side of TV and see how it works. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. And it would be much less chaotic.

memason 02-03-2015 08:57 AM
Honestly,I don't believe there's anything that could be done to the round-a-bouts to satisfy everyone.

These are very simple to navigate, just the way they are. There's only a couple simple rules to get through them safely; it's not rocket science. These rules have been beaten to death and posted at every round-a-bout, but we still have the same complaints.

Single lane round-a-bouts would be no different, since one of the overriding rules would still be neglected...YIELD to anyone already in the round-a-bout; both lanes.

CFrance 02-03-2015 09:17 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1005643)
Where I moved from, we had one area in the city where roundabouts were installed. There were two lanes of traffic merging into and exiting single lane roundabouts. Contrary to what some may think, during rush hours, the traffic moved smoothly through these roundabouts. Was there some back up of cars at the entrance to the roundabout? Yes. But much less than if you had a stop sign or a light at these intersections. I, too, was surprised that the two lanes to one lane would not have caused a lot more congestion, but it didn't. I wish the authorities would try one at the northern side of TV and see how it works. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. And it would be much less chaotic.
I agree with you, Outlaw. In the last week I have encountered 5 cars mis-navigating the roundabout at the St. James gate--entering at the same time as the car beside it and going 3/4 the way around in the outside lane. You can't fix arrogance, and you can't get to enough of the public to point out what they're doing wrong. The signs obviously are not helping, probably because they are being ignored.

It would take some simple striping to narrow these roads down to one lane going into the roundabout and make the RAB one lane. Everybody exits to the right, and no lane changing. It has been working in Europe forever. Only in big cities do they have roundabouts with more than one lane. And we are not a big city.

LndLocked 02-03-2015 09:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1005643)
Where I moved from, we had one area in the city where roundabouts were installed. There were two lanes of traffic merging into and exiting single lane roundabouts. Contrary to what some may think, during rush hours, the traffic moved smoothly through these roundabouts. Was there some back up of cars at the entrance to the roundabout? Yes. But much less than if you had a stop sign or a light at these intersections. I, too, was surprised that the two lanes to one lane would not have caused a lot more congestion, but it didn't. I wish the authorities would try one at the northern side of TV and see how it works. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. And it would be much less chaotic.
A- the possibility of the powers that be EVER changing a 2 lane roundabout into 1 lane is < slim to none.

B - NO THANKS!! Please keep any and all "test cases" confined to south of 466. We here in the northern hinterlands lead a relatively tranquil life, free of the "problems" that seem to vex so many, so much in the "south"

red tail 02-03-2015 09:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1005643)
Where I moved from, we had one area in the city where roundabouts were installed. There were two lanes of traffic merging into and exiting single lane roundabouts. Contrary to what some may think, during rush hours, the traffic moved smoothly through these roundabouts. Was there some back up of cars at the entrance to the roundabout? Yes. But much less than if you had a stop sign or a light at these intersections. I, too, was surprised that the two lanes to one lane would not have caused a lot more congestion, but it didn't. I wish the authorities would try one at the northern side of TV and see how it works. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. And it would be much less chaotic.
why the northern side???

LndLocked 02-03-2015 09:34 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1005682)
I agree with you, Outlaw. In the last week I have encountered 5 cars mis-navigating the roundabout at the St. James gate--entering at the same time as the car beside it and going 3/4 the way around in the outside lane. You can't fix arrogance, and you can't get to enough of the public to point out what they're doing wrong. The signs obviously are not helping, probably because they are being ignored.

It would take some simple striping to narrow these roads down to one lane going into the roundabout and make the RAB one lane. Everybody exits to the right, and no lane changing. It has been working in Europe forever. Only in big cities do they have roundabouts with more than one lane. And we are not a big city.
By euro standards ..... a "city" of 100K is most dif a "big city"

CFrance 02-03-2015 09:36 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LndLocked (Post 1005686)
A- the possibility of the powers that be EVER changing a 2 lane roundabout into 1 lane is < slim to none.

B - NO THANKS!! Please keep any and all "test cases" confined to south of 466. We here in the northern hinterlands lead a relatively tranquil life, free of the "problems" that seem to vex so many, so much in the "south"
That brings up an interesting thought. Perhaps because you are built out, there are fewer newbies and everyone has learned the roundabout system.

Maybe when it gets built out around 466A the RAB problems will be fewer. Although we're younger down here, more arrogant and more in a hurry!:D:crap2::crap2:

graciegirl 02-03-2015 09:37 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by memason (Post 1005672)
Honestly,I don't believe there's anything that could be done to the round-a-bouts to satisfy everyone.

These are very simple to navigate, just the way they are. There's only a couple simple rules to get through them safely; it's not rocket science. These rules have been beaten to death and posted at every round-a-bout, but we still have the same complaints.

Single lane round-a-bouts would be no different, since one of the overriding rules would still be neglected...YIELD to anyone already in the round-a-bout; both lanes.

This man is WAY smarter than most. I agree with him once again.

CFrance 02-03-2015 09:55 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LndLocked (Post 1005689)
By euro standards ..... a "city" of 100K is most dif a "big city"
Even London only has one multi-lane roundabout, and it just opened last November.

I disagree with you about 100,000 being a big city in Europe. There's 450+ cities with population over 100,000 in Europe.

buzzy 02-03-2015 10:02 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by outlaw (Post 1005643)
Where I moved from, we had one area in the city where roundabouts were installed. There were two lanes of traffic merging into and exiting single lane roundabouts. Contrary to what some may think, during rush hours, the traffic moved smoothly through these roundabouts. Was there some back up of cars at the entrance to the roundabout? Yes. But much less than if you had a stop sign or a light at these intersections. I, too, was surprised that the two lanes to one lane would not have caused a lot more congestion, but it didn't. I wish the authorities would try one at the northern side of TV and see how it works. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. And it would be much less chaotic.
The problem here is that people came from areas without roundabouts, and are too set in their ways to adapt.

Mickedamouse24 02-03-2015 10:12 AM
Simple Traffic Laws
 
:MOJE_whot:If you can't follow simple traffic signs and traffic laws just stay off the streets. Take your golf cart while traveling in The Villages! Pretty simple fix!! And we won't bring up the subject of stop signs only being a "suggestion!" here!!!

CFrance 02-03-2015 10:16 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzy (Post 1005700)
The problem here is that people came from areas without roundabouts, and are too set in their ways to adapt.
That's why single lane roundabouts would be better. No way to get confused about which lane to be in to go where.

Yes it should be simple, and yes, the people should read the signs, but they don't. If they did, we wouldn't even be having this discussion for the umpteenth time. So simply stating read the signs and drive accordingly is not working.

Challenger 02-03-2015 10:46 AM
I like the Circles. That being said and after following all the pertinent rules they still present a challenge and require complete situational awareness. I find that trying to get into the Resident gate is especially challenging if you have been in the inside lane.

I still prefer Circles to traffic lights.

Mike W 02-03-2015 10:53 AM
Navigation of roundabouts (single or double lane) is going the be an issue until the entire country has the same number of roundabouts as intersections. I do service work for a living in the Great White North (aka Minnesota) and put on a lot of miles on my van every week. That being the case I probably encounter a roundabout in MN maybe once a month. So whenever I'm in TV for our semi-annual visit I review the brochure about roundabouts and I'm good to go for the week or so I'm here. Once we move here permanently, I'll throw the brochure in the trash because I'll be navigating multiple roundabouts on a daily basis.

TNLAKEPANDA 02-03-2015 11:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1004340)
What about having only 1 lane? It's called a Modern Roundabout

What is a Modern Roundabout?

http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/Portals/0/...roundabout.gif

Simply stated, a modern roundabout is a transportation management tool that moves traffic through an intersection without the aid of traffic signals. More specifically, a modern roundabout is an intersection with one-way circulation around a central island where entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to the traffic circulating within the roundabout.

A modern roundabout should not be confused with traffic rotaries or circles, which are much larger, with higher speeds and multiple lanes for entering and exiting. As traffic volumes increase, collisions and traffic jams can occur because vehicles are not required to yield to traffic before entering.

Traffic engineers recognized the deficiencies associated with traffic rotaries and circles, and incorporated slower speeds and "yield on entry" into modern roundabouts. for more click here
THIS IS RIGHT ON THE MARK.... ALL ROUND-A-BOUTS SHOULD BE ONLY ONE FREAKING LANE. END OF PROBLEMS ! :BigApplause:

Polar Bear 02-03-2015 11:16 AM
Roundabouts
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by memason (Post 1005672)
Honestly,I don't believe there's anything that could be done to the round-a-bouts to satisfy everyone.

These are very simple to navigate, just the way they are. There's only a couple simple rules to get through them safely; it's not rocket science...
Yep.

Polar Bear 02-03-2015 11:22 AM
Roundabouts
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TNLAKEPANDA (Post 1005743)
THIS IS RIGHT ON THE MARK.... ALL ROUND-A-BOUTS SHOULD BE ONLY ONE FREAKING LANE. END OF PROBLEMS ! :BigApplause:
This one still boggles my mind. Do you really think you can do this on Morse and BV without enormous delays, congestion, conflicts, redesign, cost?!?. And if you're willing to tolerate the redesign (not only of the roundabouts, but of Morse and BV) and the cost, the enormous delays, congestion and conflicts caused by having only a single lane would still be there.


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