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ROUNDABOUTS
AUSTROADS, Part 14, Bicycles 1999 does not recommend bike lanes within roundabouts. The original Part 14 did show diagrams of bike lanes in roundabouts. Most roundabouts in Cairns have bike lanes but on the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns, some roundabouts have a narrow space between the edge line and cement kerb. For high speed traffic on multi-lane roundabouts this is dangerous.
Cyclists cross the exits inside the roundabouts or cross the roads somewhere outside the roundabouts if they are travelling around the perimeter via a path. It is these crossings that present the conflict between cyclists and motorists. Queensland now allows cyclists to make a right turn at roundabouts from the left lane. Cyclists riding in the bike lane must give way to vehicles at exits. Whether a cyclist prefers riding in the traffic lane or the bike lane, this rule applies when riding around the roundabout.
Even though bike lanes within multi-lane roundabouts may not be the cyclist's choice of travelling space, it is still good to provide bike lanes as a refuge and stopping position at exits. This safety space is essential at entries also because motorists do not always give way to cyclists.
Different designs for paths around the perimeter of roundabouts and the use of adjacent foot paths are good also because cyclists can ride in both directions. In the bike lanes they can only travel in the same direction as other traffic. However, crossings are still needed to be made when travelling around the roundabout.
Providing a "jug handle" deviation at exits so that cyclists can view the exiting traffic from a 90 degree angle would encourage cyclists to be more aware of this conflict point. Also the position of the crossings on the roads near exits differ according to the adjacent conditions. It is important for cyclists to have good sight distances because they are the ones making the crossing and need to judge when to "go". Also it is important that the crossing is not too far away from the roundabout where motorists may be increasing speed.
What constitutes a safe roundabout for cyclists of all ages and different ability, is difficult to determine. Eventually it boils down to the decision of the cyclists themselves. Providing an on-road bike lane and an off-road path will give cyclists the choice whether to ride in the traffic lane, the bike lane or on the path.
Other features such as warning signs, good sight distances, lower motor vehicle speed, good road surface on single and dual lane roundabouts, all play a part in helping roundabouts to be safer for cyclists.
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