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xkcd #2932: Driving PSA
(imgs.xkcd.com)
Alt text:
This PSA brought to you by several would-be assassins who tried to wave me in front of speeding cars in the last month and who will have to try harder next time.
Imagine a roundabout where most of the traffic flows straight on only one of the streets. Things would improve a lot of you gave that street the right of way and cut a shortcut on the middle of the roundabout, wouldn't them?
(/s by the way, but a lot of transit engineers to really believe in this. Unironically.)
You jest, but we do kind of have something like this in Melbourne, Australia. Except the vehicles that get to cut through the middle of the roundabout are Trams. Plus while they're trundling through, everyone else has to stop and wait for them.
I was not joking when I said a lot of transit engineers believe on it.
That one is one of the least bad I've seen. Try imagine it on the cross of two roads (actual high-speed roads, country-side). I've seen many of those.
I'm bloody sorry but did you just say this is one of the least bad you've seen?? Let me give you a different view:
Trams traverse the traffic lanes at three points, as well as one making an immediate left turn exit. There are four traffic lanes. Royal Parade has inside lanes and service lanes.
But I also don't have to imagine that at all, those are common here too and I've never had a problem at them:
Notice how the approaching lane at the bottom left has an artificial curve added to it? It's traffic calming to help slow down cars before they get to the roundabout itself.
That second picture of yours is just a normal roundabout. Try making one of the roads pass directly through it. And don't change the signaling.
I've noticed that the tram line cuts the traffic in 3 points. What is the speed of that street? Anyway, the tram line is clearly signed in a way that can be noticed on the photo. And every car there is making a weird curve, nobody is speeding anyway.
You'll have to be specific, all five of the roads that enter this roundabout are different, none actually continue through it. I think the maximum speed limit in the area is 60km/h though.
Edit: Also, the weird looking building in the first picture? That's the Royal Melbourne Hospital. There is A Lot going on at this roundabout. Though I guess as far as it not being "bad" it is probably the best intersection they could have built for this location. The cycle length if it were a signalised intersection would be insane.