Letters to the Editor
Roundabout will benefit auto body shops
Posted on Nov 15, 2009 by Jeff Tecklenburg.
A recent letter writer sang the praises of the proposed Marion roundabout. But he forgot the biggest praise of all — it will help the economy. The auto body shops in Marion and Cedar Rapids will be thrilled with all of the sideswipe business coming their way.
The circular grinder known as the roundabout is guaranteed to produce lots of accidents. But don’t take my word for it.
Make the short drive down to the corner of Grand Avenue and South Grand Avenue on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City, and experience the joys of the roundabout for yourself. Be sure to go during rush hour to experience the full flavor of the confusion associated with roundabouts.
Ted Priebe
Marion
Ann_Onamouse
15. Nov, 2009
A federal study in 2000 checked 24 intersections before and after construction of roundabouts. Crashes decreased 39 percent, injury crashes 76 percent, and fatal or incapacitating crashes 90 percent
.http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/s...
http://www.teachamerica.com/roundabouts/RA052A_ppt_Ritch... target=”_blank”>http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:RkHMWiym0PMJ:...” target=”_blank”>http://www.teachamerica.com/roundabouts/RA052A_ppt_Ritch...
chaimfinestein
15. Nov, 2009
Maybe stupid people shouldn't be allowed to drive.
Jacqueknife
15. Nov, 2009
Ever seen a moderate-speed T-bone crash at a conventional intersection? I have. Even if the increased-sideswipe comment is true (I'm not saying that it is or isn't, since I don't know), the prospect of death or serious injury seems to be less desirable than mere property damage. But relax, there are only a very few traffic nodes in Iowa where installation of a "rotary" would be feasible, so don't expect to see a proliferation of them anytime soon.
mathman72
16. Nov, 2009
I guess Mr. Priebe doesn't trust in his ability to drive enough to safely navigate a roundabout. It's really not that difficult.
NomerBull
16. Nov, 2009
Having lived in England and New England for years before settling in Iowa, I have seen first-hand how well-designed roundabouts promote much smoother traffic flow than even the best-designed stoplight or stop-sign intersections.
Old-style traffic circles that have problems are the ones that have lanes cutting straight across them, have other intersections or driveways at odd angles immediately adjacent to them that interrupt traffic flow, have traffic lights overriding normal roundabout entrance rules, or have oval or weird shapes that cause traffic to speed up and slow down within them.
Modern roundabouts that are sized right for the intersection, have good approach and exit curves, have a truck apron around the middle in case a semi-truck cuts too close to the center making a left turn, are roundabouts that work well.
The new roundabout about 2 miles north of Raymond is a well-designed and little-used one, if you would like to drive up and try it out.
NomerBull
16. Nov, 2009
roundabout
NomerBull
16. Nov, 2009
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NomerBull
16. Nov, 2009
Wow, it sure takes a lot to get a comment through the filters these days!
thumbsupracing
16. Nov, 2009
You must have a lot of free time at work.
Jacqueknife
16. Nov, 2009
Might have been easier to wait for the Mod to get back from his weekend… but yes, I've encountered the roundabout of which you speak- as I recall it's on whatever remains of Old, Old Highway 20 just east of Waterloo. It's in the middle of nowhere, and is a little startling when you encounter it- kind of like seeing a double-decker London bus in downtown Marion.
Fumanchu_Green
17. Nov, 2009
I'm not sure if the letter writer has had any experience with roundabouts, but I've traveled in Europe a fair amount and have had experience using roundabouts. They work really well. I'm surprised that we didn't invent them. They reduce serious accidents, keep traffic moving, are safer for pedestrians and cyclists and will save the expense of putting up stop lights that will use electricity 24/7. Not sure I see a down side.