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Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

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Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#171

Post by kedikedi »

Nr7 wrote: post #70
rwmj wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There's one of these on the junction of the A3 at New Malden. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/A3,+New+Malden,+UK/@51.3...

Here's one in Helsinki, Finland: https://goo.gl/maps/NoWE44KLKukEeq4d9 I also disagree that it is simple while you're on it although I have to admit that I'm not a very confident driver at the best of times so maybe that's just me.

I would consider myself good with following direction signs and being in traffic in general. However, I find that roundabout very confusing.

What makes it confusing is, I think, the overhead signs in the roundabout. It would be easier without them. Because the arrows pointing up also points towards the incorrect exit at the same time due to the round nature of the road :)

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#172

Post by hermitcrab »

TheOtherHobbes wrote: post #137
superhuzza wrote: post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's pretty much what the Wikipedia article claims, the roundabout has an "excellent safety record, since traffic moves too slowly to do serious damage in the event of a collision"

I used to drive over it occasionally. It was always decorated with broken glass from a collision. It's true it has a good safety record if you consider fatalities/injuries. But that's because it's impossible to cross it at speed unless it's completely empty. I suspect its record for minor collision damage is less reassuring. The fundamental problem is situational awareness. On a normal roundabout you only have to loo…

I've lived within a mile of the 'magic roundabout' for about 10 years. I traverse it frequently. I have never seen a collision or broken glass on it.

Although it is a bit intimidating the first time you use it (especially if you are from a country that doesn't have many roundabouts) the locals like it. It works very well and the traffic keeps flowing even at busy times. They even put the fire station right on the roundabout. ;0)

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#173

Post by hermitcrab »

kitd wrote: post #107
vanderZwan wrote: post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is safe partially because people think it's a nightmare to navigate

Yes, that's implied by the linked article. Everyone's so terrified of it, they drive it at a crawl.

Not true. I am resident in Swindon and I don't know anyone who is 'terrified' of the magic roundabout. On the whole, we rather like it.

Caveat: I am talking about driving around it in a car. I wouldn't want to cycle around it when it is busy.

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#176

Post by flurdy »

martijn9612 wrote: post #160
matthewowen wrote: post #92

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This style exists in the UK too: near where I group is https://maps.app.goo.gl/hjhi3gQijUGnuXha7 and a bunch of others like it: five roads in and out, with lanes that naturally flare out (though with the option to cut over right to continue further round). Quite intimidating when you're learning to drive. That said, my recollection is that the default in the UK is that lanes flare out from the center, so that once yo…

Having lights there defeats a lot of the roundabout. The turboroundabout definitely does not have traffic lights. Look at this[0] implementation, the one you linked qualifies as a "turboplein". [0] https://www.google.com/maps/place/Energieweg,+Nijmegen/@51.8...

That satellite view describes it perfectly. Especially how it is differentiated from a standard 2 lane roundabout.

In the UK there are road markings that indicate a similar flow, but this turboroundabout makes it physical.

* Raised curbs force the outside lane to exit.

* After each exit, there are only 2 lanes left.

* After each entry, there are 3 lanes, a new one starts from scratch on the inside.

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#177

Post by [deleted] »

mcv wrote: post #129
scoot wrote: post #123

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> a typical situation which makes roundabouts dangerous is when you're driving in the inside lane and you want to take the second exit If you want to take the second exit, you should be in the outside lane to start with. In the UK, for a standard two-lane roundabout, unless indicated otherwise by road markings and/or signs the outside lane is for taking the first or second exit, and the inside lane is for taking the…

In a regular two-lane roundabout, this difference is arbitrary. Your second exit is the third exit for cars entering before you and the first exit for cars entering later. If someone is entering from your exit, you may still be in trouble when you try to move to the outside lane after the second exit. Hence the turbo roundabout.

[deleted]

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#178

Post by throw0101a »

mcv wrote: post #43

A better solution for high traffic flow is the turbo roundabout[0] which is getting increasingly popular in Netherland. Before you enter the roundabout, you select the lane for the direction you want to go. You only cross traffic when entering the roundabout for the first time. After that, you simply follow your lane and it delivery you where you want to go. It looks complicated from above, but it's very simple once…

> A better solution for high traffic flow is the turbo roundabout[0]

See also sub-section in the main EN page:

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundabout#Turbo_roundabouts

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#179

Post by zamadatix »

bena wrote: post #152
zamadatix wrote: post #108

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is interesting, I seem to be getting newer aerial imagery than either of you https://i.imgur.com/tC6fsQm.jpg

If you switch to globe view, the image changes.

Yep that's it, globe view has the newer image and legacy mode has the older image.

Re: Magic Roundabout (Swindon)

#180

Post by throw0101a »

dghughes wrote: post #55
mcv wrote: post #43

A better solution for high traffic flow is the turbo roundabout[0] which is getting increasingly popular in Netherland. Before you enter the roundabout, you select the lane for the direction you want to go. You only cross traffic when entering the roundabout for the first time. After that, you simply follow your lane and it delivery you where you want to go. It looks complicated from above, but it's very simple once…

I don't understand how the turbo roundabout is any different than a typical two-lane roundabout. It looks like a regular two-lane roundabout from that picture in your link.

> I don't understand how the turbo roundabout is any different than a typical two-lane roundabout.

See:

> These designs require motorists to choose their direction before entering the roundabout, thereby eliminating many conflicting paths and choices on the roundabout itself ...

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundabout#Turbo_roundabouts

Basically you have to pre-choose your lane before entering as you are not allowed to change lanes once you're inside. With regular RAs you can change lanes if you wish.

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