h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Roundabouts: A Cyclists Guide - A60083110
Author: Vip - U188069

I can tell it's been a quiet couple of weeks at work - I've had more ideas for Entries that at any other point in my life!

This may be a tricky one, as a lot of it is my opinion rather than something that could be looked up in a text book.

If people don't think it's suitable for EG, then please let me know (obviously I do, otherwise I wouldn't submit it!).

Nice informative Entry Vip

A lot of common sense there. Unless I'm going left at a roundabout, I nearly always walk my bike, on the rare occasions that I use it these days.

I have one basic rule where drivers are concerned - if I can't see the driver's face, I assume he/she can't see me.

As a cyclist, I think you need to be just as, if not more vigilant than a driver of what's going on around you, and expect the unexpected.


Oh, one tiny little thing, first paragraph - 'Equally, as a driver is can be hard' did you mean the 'is' to be 'it'.

Good Luck
Emmily

It's always the little words, isn't it... thanks, Emmily.

Helloo there, good Entry

Traffic inside a British roundabout does not have priority on oncoming traffic? How curious. By the way, would you add a reminder at the beginning that this Entry is written from a left-hand-side driving point of view?

Amusingly, it seems that there are not many roundabouts in Germany (which accounts for some quite, er, interesting junctions). Although my German driving experience is quite limited.



A typo: "keep to the left and gracefully continue on your journey journey", there seems to be an extra "journey" here.

I'm amazed to learn that the Highway Code recommends sticking to the edge of a roundabout. That's madness!

Good entry, Vip. I've not cycled much since my bike was stolen a couple of years ago. Must get back to it.

TRiG.

Ah, toybox, yes those on the roundabout have priority over those who aren't I'd better comb through and make that more clear.

The Highway Code isn't particularly clear, but that's what it looks like to me. That's partly why I wrote this; it really bugs me.

Oh, and oops, I'll find the extra journey.

Done.

Next I need to find some more links - there's certianly one for cycling that I could add. I'll probably so that tomorrow though.

I think cyclists are incredibly brave. I admire their commitment to pedalling instead of using polluting cars. Whenever I see negotiating heavy traffic my heart is in my mouth, especially at roundabouts.



I seem to recall that in areas where there are cycle paths, there are special lights for bikes - to allow cyclists a safe route across junctions. Are there any similar features available at roundabouts?

Maybe I just didn't read carefully enough what you wrote

Hmmm, there are plenty of roundabouts here, toybox! I know because my brother-in-law always insists on going round multiple times...

Usually, the bike lanes just go next to the pedestrian crossing, though, so you can skirt the whole thing.

(Missing an apostrophe in the title there, Vip - either "a cyclist's guide" or "a cyclists' guide")

Multiple times

Well, as I said my experience is very limited (Bielefeld, Kiel, highways). Thanks for the correction

I don't believe there are any lights at roundabouts. The closest you'll get is dismounting and using a pedestrian.

I'll chuck in another apostrophe. Ta.

And one in Roundabout's ?

Traffic already on the roundabout has right of way, unless there are give-way signs, or traffic lights in operation.


The first time I came across a give-way sign on a roundabout was at Port Sunlight

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network

Sustrans - national cycle network.

http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=925

advice for cyclists on roundabouts, including those with lights.



http://www.nuttycyclist.co.uk/cycling/roundabout-2.htm

This last one is unsuitable for a link, as it may not be a permanent web site, but there is a three page description of how to deal with roundabouts.

"Please note that this Entry is written from the perspective of left-handed roadways"

I think that would be more clear to add 'in the UK' to the title - as rules of the road may differ in other countries. It's what I had to do with my zebra crossing entry.

"The Highway Code states that you may choose to either walk your bicycle around using the pavement, or to follow the left hand lane around the outside of the roundabout."

Perhaps my copy is older, but it states to follow normal procedures, but to stay to the left if you feel safer, signalling right across exits.

"Signalling is done by outstretching an arm in your chosen direction, and is vitally important for telling other road users where you are going."

Outstretching arm at right angles, not a dreamy, droopy arm which car drivers can easily miss.

"If you are going straight ahead you don't need to signal" but if you do it would be to signal left just before you exit, and don't signal right at all.

"Follow the lane around the roundabout - don't be tempted to cut across it. " possibly watching out for the cars that do, as this can encourage drivers at other exits to move faster, giving them less time to see the cyclist.

This is from the perspective of a driver, haven't cycled on the roads since about 1996 but thought I'd chip in anyway.

UK added to the title.

I'll look this up when I get home, as unfortunately I can't see the direct.gov site from work. The link at the top of the entry doesn't state you should follow normal procedures, but it only pulls together certain rules, not the whole Code (I think - again, I'll check when I get home).

Outstretching arms - done.

Signalling when you are going straight on - on a mini roundabout there isn't time. In the Standard Roundabout section I have said that you can signal if you want to. I hope that works for you.

Follow the lane... - comments added.


, Mina.

There's one thing that has nagged at me since I first read this and I have ignored up till now. Let's be clear, I'll be the first to keep myself save by following common practice rather than getting myself killed by following the rules, but...

<>

The entry then goes on to describe the 'safe' way of approaching a roundabout, not necessarily in the left-hand lane.

Can a BBC site seem to be advocating something that is contrary to the Highway Code?

That is the reason I wasn't sure if it could go in to the EG (see my first comment). This is a lot of what I think, rather than what the Highway Code says.

Though, if Mina is right and I've mis-read the Highway Code, I'll be re-writing quite a lot of it and we won't have this problem.