For those that live in or visit The Villages, a major part of the traffic control design is the roundabout.
For cars, trucks, trollies, motorcycles, street legal golf carts and bicycles, the roundabout is a type of circular intersection where road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. It requires traffic entering the circle to give the right of way (yield) to traffic already in the circle. Since there are no bike lanes in the roundabouts in The Villages, cyclists must merge into traffic prior to entering the circle. Expect the cyclist to ride in the center of the lane before entering the circle because the roadway is not wide enough to accommodate a bicycle, a motor vehicle and the 3 feet that needs to separate them.
Consistent and predictable behavior is necessary for the roundabout to work safely and effectively. If a driver is already in the circle, that driver has the right of way and should not stop for entering traffic. Do not stop for bicycles. The well intentioned driver who stops while in the circle, places themselves and others at risk of a rear end impact or may cause a trailing vehicle to swerve into another lane. Each cyclist MUST yield upon entering the roundabout. Conversely, when there is a cyclist or group of cyclists already in the circle, drivers entering should not attempt to insert themselves in front of the oncoming cyclists. Please be aware that many of these cyclists are traveling at the 20 mph speed limit and like a motor vehicle, can use either lane. A particularly dangerous situation occurs when a vehicle attempts to pass cyclists in the circle before taking an exit.
When on the roadways, cyclists are drivers and must follow all of the traffic laws and retain all of the same rights as a driver of a motor vehicle.
For drivers and cyclists to stay safe, following the law, being predictable and being courteous make a difference.
Villager David Lawrence is Safety Director and Governmental Liaison for the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club.
