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Roundabouts - How roundabouts work

Informational materials | Vehicles | Bicycles

Informational materials

• Brochure - "All about the Roundabout". This document provides usage and safety information
• Video - "All About Wisonsin Roundabouts"
  Playing time: 11 minutes 10 seconds
  • Video transcript

If you would like more information on this video contact Patrick Fleming at patrick.fleming@dot.state.wi.us.

Driving vehicles in a roundabout

• Slow down.
• Watch for traffic signs.
• Move into the correct lane for the direction you want to travel.
• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists as you enter and exit the roundabout.
• Look to the left for traffic.
• Enter when it is safe.
• Keep your speed low and stay in your lane within the roundabout (do not change lanes within the roundabout).
• Exit carefully to your destination. Use your right-turn signal, in front of the splitter island just prior to your exit, to indicate your intention to exit.

Driving bicycles in a roundabout 

• If you are riding on the shoulder or bike lane, merge into the traffic lane before the shoulder ends. 
• Signal your intent to move into traffic. 
• Once inside the roundabout, don't hug the curb. 
• Ride close to the middle of the lane to prevent cars from passing and cutting you off. 
• Watch for cars waiting to enter the roundabout, as they may not see you. 
• If you do not want to ride your bike in the roundabout, use the sidewalk and proceed as a pedestrian.

Aerial view of the 6th Street roundabout intersection
in Milwaukee, WI.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Patrick Fleming, patrick.fleming@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: November 26, 2008