Public Involvement

Public acceptance of roundabouts has often been found to be one of the biggest challenges facing a jurisdiction that is planning to install its first roundabout. Without the benefit of explanation or first-hand experience and observation, the public is likely to incorrectly associate roundabouts with older, nonconforming traffic circles that they have either experienced or heard about. Equally likely, without adequate education, the public (and agencies alike) will often have a natural hesitation or resistance against changes in their driving behavior and driving environment.

In such a situation, a proposal to install a roundabout may initially experience a negative public reaction. However, the history of the first few roundabouts installed in the United States also indicates that public attitude toward roundabouts improves significantly after construction. A recent survey conducted of jurisdictions across the United States (3) reported a significant negative public attitude toward roundabouts prior to construction (68 percent of the responses were negative or very negative), but a positive attitude after construction (73 percent of the responses were positive or very positive).

A wide variety of techniques have been used successfully in the United States to inform and educate the public about new roundabouts. Some of these include public meetings, informational brochures and videos, and announcements in the newspaper or on television and radio. A public involvement process should be initiated as soon as practical, preferably early in the planning stages of a project while other intersection forms are also being considered.