Mini Traffic Circle Pilot Program begins August 2017

On August 16, 2016, City Council voted to do a pilot program for mini-traffic circles in our neighborhood.

Increasingly, driver’s are frustrated by the constant stop and go that comes with the plethora of stop signs in our neighborhood.

Pedestrians and residents are frustrated by driving speeds and inconsiderate drivers.

Mini-traffic circles are design to slow traffic and eliminate the stop and go. Even though the intersections are small, a mini-traffic circle can fit emergency vehicles, trash trucks can navigate and they can be made quite pretty.

Here is the presentation and video shown at the August 16, 2016 meeting

Our first pilot will be seen on the corner of Plant and Blossom this August. The Lincoln Principal has been made aware and will be helping us communicate the following to the parents:

Mini Traffic Circle to be Installed Near Lincoln Elementary   

As part of an ongoing effort for calming traffic throughout the City, a temporary mini traffic circle is scheduled for installation at the intersection of Blossom Lane and Plant Avenue.  A mini traffic circle is a smaller type of roundabout constructed at the center of residential intersections.  The purpose of the mini traffic circle is to reduce motor vehicle speeds and improve safety at intersections, especially near schools where school-aged pedestrians are present.  They have been shown to significantly reduce vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian related accidents especially in areas with low stop sign compliance.    

Mini traffic circles have the following characteristics:

1. Counterclockwise Flow – traffic travels in a counterclockwise direction around the circle
2. Yield Control – vehicles entering the circle shall yield to traffic already circulating and;
3. Low speed – vehicles travel at lower speeds (15 mph) to maneuver around the circle.

 When navigating a mini traffic circle, vehicles must change their path of travel to maneuver around the circle.  The driver should keep the following in mind:

1.  Slow down as you approach the circle and watch for pedestrians at the crosswalk.
2.  Continue toward the circle and look left to check for oncoming vehicles; vehicles already in the circle have the right-of-way.
3. Once you see a gap and it is safe to enter the circle, proceed.
4. Be on the lookout for pedestrians.