A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows counter-clockwise around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly than signalized intersections. Since vehicles entering a roundabout are required to yield to traffic within the circle, more vehicles can move through an intersection with less delay. The unique one-way design of roundabouts also accommodates the turning radius of large vehicles, such semi-trucks and buses.

Roundabout vs. Traffic Circle

Two basic principles distinguish the modern roundabout from a traffic circle:

1. Modern roundabouts follow the "yield-at-entry" rule in which approaching vehicles must wait for a gap in the circulating flow before entering the circle. Traffic circles typically require circulating vehicles to grant the right-of-way to entering vehicles.
2. Modern roundabouts involve low speeds for entering and circulating traffic, as governed by small diameters and deflected (curved) entrances. In contrast, traffic circles emphasize high-speed merging and weaving, made possible by larger diameters and tangential (straight) entrances.

There are no traffic circles in Saskatoon.

How to Negotiate a Roundabout

1. Slow down as you approach

• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, and be prepared to stop if necessary

2. Yield the right of way

• When entering a roundabout, yield to circulating traffic on the left, and stop only if the way is not clear.

3. Stay to the right

• The roundabout has ONE WAY signs mounted in the center island to help guide traffic and indicate that you must stay to the right of the center island.

4. Exit the roundabout

• Use the right turn signal to indicate where you will be exiting

If you want to make a left turn, you must travel 3/4 around the central island.

30-second video on how to drive a roundabout: 

    PLAY:  5mg 

Roundabouts are designed to accommodate all types of traffic:

Large trucks
Roundabouts are designed to handle fire trucks, buses and various sizes of emergency vehicles, as well as truck and trailer combinations. The center island of all single-lane roundabouts is built with a gradually sloped and flat curb, called a truck apron. This apron makes it easier for long vehicles to make the turns.

Pedestrians
Pedestrians find that travelling through a roundabout pedestrian crossing is just as safe, or safer than through an intersection with a signal because vehicles are moving at a slower rate of speed, and they only need to cross one direction of traffic. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the area marked for pedestrian crossings.

Cyclists
A cyclist can travel through the roundabout as a pedestrian, or in the circular roadway with motorized vehicles. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when riding on the roadway. Inexperienced riders may choose to walk their bicycles and use the pedestrian crosswalks to get through the roundabout.

Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, most drivers get out of the intersection as quickly as possible and pull to the side. A roundabout is really no different. If an emergency vehicle enters the roundabout with lights or sirens on while you are in the circle, continue to your intended exit and then pull over to the side of the road. If you are approaching a roundabout, pull over if there is room for the emergency vehicle to get by, otherwise continue through the roundabout and pull over after you’ve exited the roundabout.

For more information:  The Regional Municipality of Waterloo's web site contains information for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on how to use a roundabout, including flash demos.  www.region.waterloo.on.ca

Roundabout Ahead	Roundabout Yield Sign