Today, May 11th is National Roundabout Appreciation Day.
Actually it isn’t National Roundabout Appreciation day (sorry to disappoint) but it wouldn’t surprise me if we get one some time. After all we have an official National beanpole week, National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (31 January), National Pie Week (7 to 13 March), National Cleavage Day (31 March), and National Balloon Week (22 to 29 May) [1]
I wish they would save it for important events like the National Silly Walk day [2] Jan 7th – now that really is a good idea.
Reasons to Appreciate Roundabouts
- They are better than waiting at traffic lights when no one is there.
- It allows people to use their common sense and go when there is a safe gap.
- Helps ease traffic flows
- They make great time trial courses. Cycle up a dual carriageway to a roundabout, turn round and come back. You could do this for a leisure ride too, if you so wish.
- They can be planted in the middle with all kinds of flora and fauna and get sponsored by the local Curry House.
- OK, I’m struggling here. Let’s move on to the Rules of the roundabout.
Rules of the Roundabout
UK Roundabout in theory -
Basically, you give way to traffic already on the roundabout. A simple rule, but in practise people often panic when on a roundabout and resort to the French approach of who has the biggest car wins.
I’ve happily spent several hours stood by a roundabout marshalling a cycle race. One of those life experiences you really don’t want to miss.
Magdalen Roundabout
Roundabout Singapore. Source
Magdalen Roundabout Oxford
A mini roundabout.
Rules of mini-roundabouts - For some reason mini roundabouts are more complicated than major roundabouts. Basically people can’t be relied on to follow the rule of giving way – expect that car to go straight on – even if you signal right.
Related
Can you elucidate on this one please?:
6 to 12 July National tampon alert week