Why Roundabouts Are Safer than Traditional Intersections
- Mountain Mojo Group
- May 15
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever second-guessed how to use a roundabout, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: roundabouts reduce conflict points, improve traffic flow, and are safer for everyone. And with the new Beulah Roundabout open and the Fourth-Lockett roundabout nearing completion, now’s a great time to get familiar with how and why they work.
The Case for Roundabouts
Roundabouts aren’t about aesthetics or modern design—they’re about safety.
Compared to traditional signalized intersections, roundabouts offer several key benefits:
Fewer stop-and-go delays. Traffic keeps moving, reducing congestion and emissions.
Lower speeds. The circular design naturally slows vehicles, creating safer crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists.
Fewer conflict points. Traditional intersections have up to 32 potential conflict points. Roundabouts reduce that to just 8.
No left turns across traffic. This eliminates one of the most dangerous maneuvers at a standard intersection.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts reduce injury crashes by 75% and fatal crashes by 90%. They also reduce delays by up to 65% compared to signals.
In Greater Flagstaff, roundabouts are part of our effort to build a more intuitive, multimodal transportation network—especially in areas that serve schools, trail users, and neighborhoods.
The Beulah Roundabout, for example, supports smoother traffic on a previously congested corridor while also improving access for pedestrians and cyclists heading to nearby trailheads, commercial areas, and residential areas. In short, roundabouts are designed to protect lives while maintaining smooth traffic flow.
How to Use a Roundabout with Confidence
Using a roundabout is easier than it looks—you just need to know the basics. Unlike intersections with multiple signal phases and stop signs, roundabouts rely on a simple set of rules that keep traffic flowing without confusion. Once you understand how they work, navigating them becomes second nature.
Slow down and approach with caution. Look for signs and yield lines.
Yield to traffic already in the circle. Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right-of-way.
Don’t stop inside the roundabout. Keep moving once you’ve entered.
Signal when exiting. This helps other drivers and cyclists anticipate your movement.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Yield at crosswalks before entering or exiting.
If you're on a bike, you have two options: take the lane and ride through the roundabout like a car, or dismount and use the pedestrian crosswalks. Both are allowed, so choose the one that feels safest for you.
Roundabouts are common in Europe and are gaining traction across the U.S. While adoption has been slower in some areas, communities like Flagstaff are embracing them as part of a Complete Streets approach to safer, more predictable road design.
Local outreach has shown that while drivers may be hesitant at first, familiarity leads to greater comfort and better habits. Clear signage, improved lighting, and well-marked crosswalks all contribute to a safer experience for everyone.
Want to know more about how you can safely navigate a roundabout as a pedestrian? Watch the helpful video below!
What You Need to Know About the New 4th & Lockett Roundabout
This redesigned 4-leg intersection in northeast Flagstaff will include:
A new roundabout with improved geometry
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) to support crossings
New striping and signage to enhance visibility
A realignment of Lockett Road to improve flow and sight lines
This intersection currently serves schools, parks, and popular neighborhood trails, making it a high-priority area for improved multimodal safety. High foot traffic, bike activity, and inconsistent traffic flow have made this a target for safety upgrades for years.
The roundabout is expected to be complete by Fall 2025, and will serve as a key safety upgrade for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. When finished, it will also support better access to community spaces like Bushmaster Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
Community engagement has played a key role in this project’s design. Feedback from residents and nearby schools helped shape the layout, ensuring it reflects real-world travel patterns and needs. The addition of PHBs is a direct response to concerns about pedestrian safety raised during early planning meetings.
You can track updates or learn more by visiting connect.flagstaffaz.gov.
Join the Movement for a Safer, Greater Flagstaff
Roundabouts are part of Greater Flagstaff’s future because they offer a safer, smoother alternative to signalized intersections and serve people of all ages and travel modes.
They work best when everyone understands how to navigate them. That means learning the rules, practicing patience, and modeling safe habits for others. Education and consistency go a long way in reducing confusion and building community confidence.
MetroPlan supports roundabout planning and education as part of our vision for safer, more connected communities across Greater Flagstaff. Follow along for safety tips, infrastructure updates, and more!
Commenti