How to Use a Roundabout - On a Bike
For safety reasons, there are no separate bike lanes within the roundabout. Bicyclists have several options:
Ride Like a Car
- If you are comfortable riding in traffic, you may ride on the circulatory roadway of the roundabout like a car. Bicycle and vehicular speeds are typically fairly similar within a roundabout.
- As you approach the roundabout, merge into the entry lane before the shoulder or bike lane ends. It is generally safest for bicyclists to claim the lane.
- Obey all of the same driving instructions as for cars. Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to enter or exit the roundabout.
- Communicate your intentions to drivers by pointing to your destination.
Walk Like a Pedestrian
- If you are uncomfortable riding in traffic, dismount your bicycle at the crosswalk and move to the sidewalk. Once on the sidewalk, walk your bicycle like a pedestrian. Obey all of the same instructions as for pedestrians.
Use a Shared Bicycle-Pedestrian Path
- Some roundabouts may have a ramp that leads to a widened sidewalk or a shared bicycle-pedestrian path that runs around the perimeter of the roundabout. Be courteous to pedestrians and yield to them.