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I have read the proposed ADA rules for pedestrian crossings at roundabouts. I believe it is in the best interest of the public in the USA to not mandate actuated or other types of pedestrian signals at roundabout crosswalks. I believe the result of such a ruling will make roundabout construction prohibitive if it is followed to any degree.

The 20 roundabouts that I have designed and that were built in the last 8 years in the USA have not experienced any pedestrian crashes. In special situations where a high number of pedestrians cross I would consider an manually or passively activated signal and I have successfully used raised crosswalks and activated flashing warning LED lights and additional illumination. It was used because of the perceived need and was not dictated to me by the ADA. I would prefer that the access board allow engineers to use the good judgement they are paid to use.

Will this mandate be applied to all regular traffic signal controlled intersections and any marked crosswalk at intersections or mid-block locations on our road system?

Roundabouts are accessible to all users, and the solution should not be dictated but considerations open to site conditions, engineering judgement, and further research. Such a ruling at this point in time is premature and may serve to inhibit the use of roundabouts which I believe have great potential to reduce injury crashes to pedestrians and thus save many lives in the USA. An example of crash reductions due to roundabouts is contained in a recent study of two roundabouts located in Howard, Wisconsin. The study may be accessed at the following link: http://www.co.brown.wi.us/Planning/transportation_division.html

This study shows the successful implementation of two roundabouts directly adjacent to an elementary school, a middle school and a new high school. The roundabouts achieved dramatic crash reductions and the school crossing guard indicated that the intersection is easier to cross since the roundabouts were installed. I would ask the board if it would be difficult to conduct similar trials if the proposed rule was enacted and enforced.

Please add the following to your public input on the access board review of pedestrian safety at roundabouts. The attached designs for two 180' diameter roundabouts located in Riverdale, Utah are shown to illustrate the use of raised pedestrian tables at the entry and exits to roundabouts. The raised, textured and colored surface provides a tactile surface for pedestrian crossing. The gentle rise of the crossing area provides a decrease in speed to vehicles without reducing intersection capacity while creating a very visible crossing area that vehicles can see better than a painted crosswalk. It is possible that this design is superior to that of a pedestrian signal as well because flashing lights are often ignored by drivers.

See attached photos from grand opening parade held in July 2002.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for opening of River Park Drive (photo)

River Park Drive open to vehicular traffic (photo)