Bicyclist education

Bicyclists should likewise be educated about the operating characteristics of roundabouts. Well-designed, low-speed, single-lane roundabouts should not present much difficulty to bicyclists. They should enter these roundabouts just as they enter a stop sign or signal controlled intersection without auxiliary lanes (the bike lane terminates on the approach to these intersections, too). On the approach to the entry, a bicyclist should claim the lane. Right-turning cyclists should keep to the right side of the entry lane; others should be near the center of the lane.

Cyclists have three options upon approaching a roundabout:

• Travel on the circulatory roadway of the roundabout like motorists. When using a double-lane roundabout as a vehicle, obey all rules of the road for vehicles using roundabouts. However, you may feel safer approaching in the right-hand lane and keeping to the right in the roundabout (rather like making two through movements to turn left at a signalized intersection). If you do keep to the right, take extra care when crossing exits and signal left to show you are not leaving. Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout. Watch out for large vehicles on the roundabout, as they need more space to maneuver. It may be safer to wait until they have cleared the roundabout. Or,
• If you are unsure about using the roundabout, dismount and exit the approach lane before the splitter island on the approach, and move to the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, walk your bicycle like a pedestrian. Or,
• Some roundabouts may have a ramp that leads to a widened sidewalk or a shared bicycle-pedestrian path that runs around the perimeter of the roundabout. If a ramp access is provided prior to the pedestrian crossing, you may choose to ramp up to curb level and traverse the sidewalk or path while acting courteously to pedestrians. A ramp may also be provided on the exit legs of a roundabout to reenter the roadway, after verifying that it is safe to do so.