Real rules on roundabouts

Photo: ICBC

Check ICBC for the real rules on using roundabouts in B.C.

You don't signal before entering. You signal a right turn before you exit. Signalling before entering only confuses other drivers and road users. 

If everyone read ICBC rules and followed them, there'd be less confusion all around. 

C. Middleton

EDITOR'S NOTE: Here is the straight goods, from ICBC's website

How to use a roundabout

A roundabout is a circular intersection without stop signs or traffic signals. Traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island. The benefits? Roundabouts improve traffic flow. They reduce serious crashes, injuries and fatalities because they virtually eliminate the chance of a head-on or right-angle collisions. They improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.  Roundabouts can even reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Tips for drivers

• You'll see crosswalks on the entry legs to the roundabout. You need to yield to any pedestrians or cyclists in the crosswalk, and be sure you don't block it.
• Yield to traffic that's already inside the roundabout—it has the right of way.
• Drive counter-clockwise within the asphalt lane. 
• There is usually a raised or coloured apron around the centre island in the roundabout. It's there for large trucks and emergency vehicles only. Stay off that area. 
• Keep moving while you're in the roundabout. If an emergency vehicle approaches, don't block its path. 
• When you're leaving the roundabout, signal a right turn just before you exit. That lets drivers waiting to enter the roundabout and pedestrians waiting to cross know your intentions.
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the exit lane.

Tips for cyclists

• Cyclists can ride either with traffic, or on the cycle pathway.
• If you're riding on the road, merge with traffic before you enter the roundabout.
• If you're using the cycle path:
• Enter the roundabout via the ramp that extends from the shoulder of the road.
• Watch your speed when you're on the pathway, and be aware of pedestrians.
• Dismount and use the marked crosswalks to cross the intersecting streets.

Tips for pedestrians

• When you're crossing the legs of a roundabout, always use the marked crosswalks. 
• Just like crossing any road, wait for a gap in traffic, or until all vehicles are stopped.   
• Don't cross to the centre island.
• Be aware of cyclists sharing the crosswalk and pathways.