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How roundabouts work

General information | Vehicles | Bicycles

General information

• Brochure - "Rules for driving roundabouts" - Usage and safety information.
• Video - "All About Wisconsin Roundabouts" - Playing time: 00:11:10 - Video transcript
• Video - WisDOT engineers interviewed by WisconsinEye - September 12, 2012
• Animation - "How to use a roundabout" - Interactive Flash animation demonstrating proper usage of roundabouts. Click the arrows or symbols in the lower left corner of the animation window to view various roundabout maneuvers.
• Videos - From a driver's perspective, experience how to drive through a series of multi-lane roundabouts. Even though this particular simulation is from the US 41/Mason Street interchange in Brown County, you will see that it is very important to choose your lane prior to entering any multi-lane roundabout to ensure you get to your destination.
  • US 41/Mason St. roundabout, southbound Playing time: 00:02:43 - Video transcript
  • US 41/Mason St. roundabout, westbound Playing time: 00:02:44 - Video transcript

For more information, contact Pat Fleming.

WIS 124/Business 29 in Chippewa Falls (Chippewa County)

Driving vehicles in a roundabout

• Slow down.
• Watch for and obey traffic signs.
• Move into the correct lane for the direction you want to travel.
• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists as you enter and exit the roundabout.
• Look to the left for traffic.
• Enter when it is safe.
• Keep your speed low and stay in your lane within the roundabout (do not change lanes within the roundabout).
• Exit carefully to your destination. Use your right-turn signal, in front of the splitter island just prior to your exit, to indicate your intention to exit.

Driving bicycles in a roundabout

• If you are riding on the shoulder or bike lane, merge into the traffic lane before the shoulder ends.
• Signal your intent to move into traffic.
• Once inside the roundabout, don't hug the curb.
• Ride close to the middle of the lane to prevent cars from passing and cutting you off.
• Watch for cars waiting to enter the roundabout, as they may not see you.
• If you do not want to ride your bike in the roundabout, use the sidewalk and proceed as a pedestrian.