Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System

 

Tight curb radii should complement this treatment to discourage high-speed right-turn maneuvers. A mountable curb in the outer portion of the circle can help accommodate the occasional larger vehicle. http://www.pedbikeimages.org/ - Carl Sundstrom


http://www.pedbikeimages.org/ - Carl Sundstrom Mini-circle landscaping should not impede the sight distance.
http://www.pedbikeimages.org/ - Carl Sundstrom

 

 

 

Mini-Circles

Mini-circles are raised circular islands constructed in the center of residential street intersections (generally not intended for use where one or both streets are arterial streets). They reduce vehicle speeds by forcing motorists to maneuver around them. Mini-circles have been found to reduce motor vehicle crashes by an average of 90 percent in Seattle, WA. Signs should be installed directing motorists to proceed around the right side of the circle before passing through or making a left-turn. Mini-circles are commonly landscaped (e.g., bushes, flowers, or grass), most often at locations where the neighborhood has agreed to maintain the plants. In locations where landscaping is not feasible, traffic circles can be enhanced through specific pavement materials.

Mini-circles are an intersection improvement as well as a traffic calming device, and can take the place of a signal or four-way stop sign. Many unwarranted four-way stop signs are installed because of the demand for action by the community.

Mini-circles must be properly designed to slow vehicles and benefit pedestrians and bicyclists. Right-turning vehicles are not controlled at an intersection with a mini-circle, potentially putting pedestrians and bicyclists at risk.

Therefore, tight curb radii should complement this treatment to discourage high-speed right-turn maneuvers. The occasional larger vehicle going through an intersection with a traffic circle (e.g., a fire truck or moving van) can be accommodated by creating a mountable curb in the outer portion of the circle. Generally, mini circles are not intended for use where one or both streets are arterial streets (see roundabouts).

Purpose

Mini-circles are traffic calming devices used to reduce speeds and manage traffic at intersections where volumes do not warrant a stop sign or a signal. Seattle has found this measure to effectively reduce crash problems at the intersection of two local streets.

Considerations

  • Do not make generous allowances for motor vehicles by increasing the turning radii; this compromises pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
  • Larger vehicles that need access to streets (e.g., school buses and fire engines) may need to make left-hand turns in front of the circle.
  • Use yield, not stop, controls.
  • Mini-circle landscaping should not impede the sight distance.
  • Treat a series of intersections along a local street as part of a neighborhood traffic improvement program.
  • Mini-circles may be combined with other measures or frequent mini-circles to achieve street-long traffic calming.

Estimated Cost

The cost is approximately $6,000 for a landscaped traffic mini-circle on an asphalt street and about $8,000 to $12,000 for a landscaped mini-circle on a concrete street (using existing curb radii).

References

To view references for this countermeasure group click here.

Case Studies

Portland, Oregon
Seattle, Washington
Palo Alto, California