Quick Link View Video about Driving Roundabouts on State DOT website

• Slow down upon approach:  Roundabouts are typically designed for speeds of 15 to 20 mph.
• Yield to your left before you enter the roundabout. Remember to be prepared to stop. Wait for a gap in traffic and enter.
• Enter.  Once inside, do not stop. Do not overtake vehicles slightly ahead of you, as they may exit.
• Once in the roundabout, never overtake another vehicle or change lanes.
• Yield to bicycles in the roundabout, just as you would a motor vehicle. While bicycles may travel at a slower speed, they are vehicles and have a right to be in the street. Do not turn in front of or "cut off " a bicycle when exiting the roundabout.
• Stop for walkers. When entering or exiting a roundabout, always stop for pedestrians waiting to cross - whether they are at the curb or in the pedestrian island. Because there is no red light, motorists must be alert to pedestrians and stop when one is present.
• Flashing crosswalk lights.  Blinking lights in the pavement of the crosswalk warn motorists that a pedestrian is present. As a motorist, stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. As a pedestrian – keep in mind the lights are not protection, use your own judgment and cross when you feel it is safe.

Choosing a Lane:  Choosing the correct lane is important.  Here are some helpful tips:

Roundabouts Intersections:

• Before entering a roundabout, drivers must choose a lane based on their intended destination.  This is similar to a standard intersection.
• Drivers use the left lane to make left turns, u-turns, or straight-ahead movements; the right lane is used to make right turns or straight-ahead movements. 

                                                                                  
Standard Intersection:

• Choose your lane in a roundabout just like a standard intersection (shown at right).
• Drivers use the left lane to make left turns, u-turns, or straight-ahead movements; the right lane is used to make right turns or straight-ahead movements. 

Bicycling Tips for Roundabouts:  

• Ride with traffic.  While roundabouts don't have striped bike lanes, traffic moves slowly, allowing bicyclists and motorist to share space.  Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists while in the roundabout.  Choose the proper lane position, just like a car.
• Share the sidewalk with walkers.  Olympia's roundabouts have a wide sidewalk for bicyclists and pedestrians to share. Bicyclists can use the shared sidewalk instead of riding in the roundabout. Bicyclists in the shared sidewalk and crosswalk must yield to pedestrians.
• Wear a properly fitting helmet.  Helmets should fit snuggly and be worn level on the head.
• Ride defensively. Be aware of traffic around you. Continually scan for vehicles that may turn unexpectedly.
• Make sure you and your bike are visible. Wear bright or light-colored clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective clothing.  When riding at night, State law requires a white headlight and red rear reflector. A red tail light may be used in addition to the reflector.  

Walking Tips for Roundabouts:

• Be aware of all traffic, especially turning vehicles. When crossing, try to make eye contact with approaching drivers.
• Wear light-colored or bright clothing during the day.  At night or in bad weather, wear reflective clothing and carry a light.
• Pedestrian Islands.  At roundabouts, pedestrians have an island mid-way through the crossing. This allows the pedestrian to cross half the road at a time.  As a pedestrian, it is OK to wait at an island until there is a gap in traffic and you feel safe crossing the rest of the street.
• Flashing crosswalk lights.  Blinking lights in the pavement of a crosswalk warn motorist that a pedestrian is present.  As a pedestrian, keep in mind the lights are not protection, use your own judgment and cross when you feel it is safe. 

For More Information:

• Traffic Law Information, Washington State Driver's Guide
• Walking and Biking Information
• Bus Route and Schedule Information
• Download our printer friendly Roundabout Brochure

Need More Information?   Contact the Public Works office.

Address:      924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A 
                   Download a printer friendly (PDF) copy of directions to our office Hours:         Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone:        (360) 753-8588 
Email:         click here