Pedestrian accessibility

The legal definition of a roundabout as one intersection or a series of intersections also has implications for pedestrians, particularly with respect to marked and unmarked crosswalks. A portion of the UVC definition of a crosswalk is as follows: “. . . and in the absence of a sidewalk on one side of the roadway, that part of a roadway included within the extension of the lateral lines of the existing sidewalk at right angles to the centerline” (UVC §1-112(a)). Under the definition of a roundabout as a series of T-intersections, this portion of the definition could be interpreted to mean that there are unmarked crosswalks between the perimeter and the central island at every approach. The recommended definition of a roundabout as a single intersection simplifies this issue, for the marked or unmarked crosswalks around the perimeter as defined are sufficient and complete.

In all States, drivers are required to either yield or stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk (however, this requirement is often violated, and therefore it is prudent for pedestrians not to assume that this is the case). In addition, the provisions of the ADA also apply to roundabouts in all respects, including the design of sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. Under the ADA, accessible information is required to make the existing public right-of-way an accessible program provided by State and local governments (28 CFR 35.150). Any facility or part of a facility that is newly constructed by a State or local government must be designed and constructed so that it is readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities (28 CFR 35.151(a)).
Alterations to existing facilities must include modifications to make altered areas accessible to individuals with disabilities (28 CFR 735.151 (b)).

Current guidelines do not specifically address ways to make roundabouts accessible. Nonetheless, these provisions mean providing information about safely crossing streets in an accessible format, including at roundabouts. At a minimum, design information should provide for:

• Locating the crosswalk;
• Determining the direction of the crosswalk;
• Determining a safe crossing time; and
• Locating the splitter island refuge.