Got an interesting note from Craig Casper from the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, among many emails on roundabouts.
Here is is:
I would like to clarify that there is a difference between a roundabout and a traffic circle.
A traffic circle is a traffic-calming intersection meant to slow traffic down. A roundabout is a modern high-capacity intersection.
While I’m not an expert on them, in my drives around the community I would say that the ones near the Broadmoor are traffic circles while the Powers / Carefree Circle is a roundabout.
They have very different purposes, but to the average driver look the same. There is a learning curve to them, but I don’t think Europeans are any smarter than Americans.
Attached are some pictures of the continued evolution (in Europe) of the roundabout. There are a couple places in town where this would work great. I just don’t see it happening though.
Craig
Craig T. Casper, AICP
Transportation Director
Pikes Peak Area COG
15 South 7th St
Colorado Springs CO 80905
(719) 471-7080
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If you think our roundabout on South Carefree Circle is bad, check out this graphic and photo Craig sent of a famous roundabout in Swindon, England.
Are you kidding me?
Check out this video they created to teach people how to drive it.
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