Difference between revisions of "C-Roundabout"
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| − | The C-Roundabout is a new type of multi-lane roundabout developed in New Zealand in 2005, originally for the sole purpose of catering for cyclists. It was developed as part of the New Zealand Transport Agency research programme [[http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/287/]], and was concurrently a thesis submitted for completion of a Masters degree (civil engineering) by Duncan Campbell. | + | The C-Roundabout is a new type of multi-lane roundabout developed in New Zealand in 2005, originally for the sole purpose of catering for cyclists. It was developed as part of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) research programme [[http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/287/]][[http://www.ipenz.org.nz/ipenztg/conf05/papers/5%20CAMPBELL.pdf]], and was concurrently a thesis submitted for completion of a Masters degree (civil engineering) by Duncan Campbell. |
| − | Many cyclists find big roundabouts daunting to ride around, and they also suffer much higher crash rates than at other intersection types. That's not to say that multi-lane roundabouts are death-traps for cyclists | + | Many cyclists find big roundabouts daunting to ride around, and they also suffer much higher crash rates than at other intersection types. That's not to say that multi-lane roundabouts are death-traps for cyclists, but they can be at the very least a deterrent to novice riders. We are trying to enncourage more people take up cycling after all. |
| − | Roundabouts are by the way a much safer form of intersection control than traffic signals, although you may get as many or more minor fender-bender type | + | Roundabouts are by the way a much safer form of intersection control than traffic signals and will suffer far fewer injury crashes, although you may get as many or more minor fender-bender type crashes. This is simply because of he fact that much higher collision speeds are possible at traffic signals, compared to a ''well designed'' roundabout. |
| − | However even though roundabouts are clearly the overall safer form of intersection control in terms of injury crashes, some city councils in New Zealand are more concerned with catering for pedestrians and cyclists so are installing traffic signals | + | However even though roundabouts are clearly the overall safer form of intersection control in terms of injury crashes, some city councils in New Zealand are more concerned with catering for pedestrians and cyclists so are instead installing traffic signals. Conventional multi-lane roundabouts can take up a lot of room so can be expensive to install, are trickier things to design and traffic behaviour can be less predictable. This is where the C-Roundabout fits in quite well - it can be built in a compact area and if designed with lower vehicle speeds in mind can be safer for both pedestrians as well as cyclists. |
| − | + | Several C-Roundabouts have been built in Waitakere City to date, successfully for the most part. A NZTA research project that reviews their operation is currently being submitted for publication and hopefully should be available early 2011. [[http://cyclingconf.org.nz/system/files/NZCyclingConf09_5A_CampbellJurisichAsmus_Roundabts.pdf]], [[http://cyclingconf.org.nz/system/files/05a4-Duncan-Campbell.pdf]] | |
| − | + | Note this page is at the moment in its very draft stages so hope to clean it up a bit. In addition, I will try to put some links to video footage which I will try to make available. [[User:The Duncan|The Duncan]] 06:54, 10 September 2010 (NZST) | |
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| − | Note this page is at the moment in its very draft stages so hope to clean it up a bit. In addition, I will try to put some links to video footage which I will try to make available. | ||
Revision as of 18:54, 9 September 2010
The C-Roundabout is a new type of multi-lane roundabout developed in New Zealand in 2005, originally for the sole purpose of catering for cyclists. It was developed as part of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) research programme [[1]][[2]], and was concurrently a thesis submitted for completion of a Masters degree (civil engineering) by Duncan Campbell.
Many cyclists find big roundabouts daunting to ride around, and they also suffer much higher crash rates than at other intersection types. That's not to say that multi-lane roundabouts are death-traps for cyclists, but they can be at the very least a deterrent to novice riders. We are trying to enncourage more people take up cycling after all.
Roundabouts are by the way a much safer form of intersection control than traffic signals and will suffer far fewer injury crashes, although you may get as many or more minor fender-bender type crashes. This is simply because of he fact that much higher collision speeds are possible at traffic signals, compared to a well designed roundabout.
However even though roundabouts are clearly the overall safer form of intersection control in terms of injury crashes, some city councils in New Zealand are more concerned with catering for pedestrians and cyclists so are instead installing traffic signals. Conventional multi-lane roundabouts can take up a lot of room so can be expensive to install, are trickier things to design and traffic behaviour can be less predictable. This is where the C-Roundabout fits in quite well - it can be built in a compact area and if designed with lower vehicle speeds in mind can be safer for both pedestrians as well as cyclists.
Several C-Roundabouts have been built in Waitakere City to date, successfully for the most part. A NZTA research project that reviews their operation is currently being submitted for publication and hopefully should be available early 2011. [[3]], [[4]]
Note this page is at the moment in its very draft stages so hope to clean it up a bit. In addition, I will try to put some links to video footage which I will try to make available. The Duncan 06:54, 10 September 2010 (NZST)
