Roundabouts 101: Bend’s traffic circles have simple rules

Roundabouts are still being built all across Bend, but do you know how to drive through them safely and courteously?

Bend police want you to follow the rules of the road — and if not, you could face a $260 ticket.

Sgt. Ron Taylor’s job is to look for drivers who are breaking the law especially around the roundabouts.

“Roundabouts are designed to reduce the number of crashes in intersections — and they do work,” Taylor said.

According to police, the Traffic Division responded to about 2,000 crashes around the city last year.

Taylor said those numbers have dropped in recent years, thanks to roundabouts, but many drivers still don’t know the proper way to exit a roundabout.

“If someone doesn’t warn drivers they are going to exit the roundabout, that takes additional time for them to make a decision on whether they are able to pull into the roundabout or not,” Taylor said.

Bend traffic engineer Robin Lewis said roundabouts help reduce carbon emissions and keep traffic moving.

Lewis said there are about 30 roundabouts around the city, and another is being built at Parrell and Murphy roads.

The city uses data to figure out where to put roundabouts, based on the number of crashes.

According to the state Department of Motor Vehicles, traffic moves in one direction, counter-clockwise to the right, around the center island.

One reminder many want drivers to remember: Make sure you use your turn signal to indicate you are leaving. If not, you can face a citation.

“What I don’t like is that people don’t know how to maneuver them,” Bend resident Anna Menanno said.

Menanno lives near the Old Mill District. She said her commute to work has gotten a little longer because of the back-ups the roundabout causes. She blames drivers who aren’t experienced.

Others say they don’t have a problem with the roundabouts.

“As long as people learn how to do them properly, slow down on the roundabouts not go too fast, not cut people off, I think they work great,” Bend resident Kathy Nelson said.

The city of Bend has videos, a brochure on how to use roundabouts, an FAQ list — even a child activity book — at http://bendoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=173 . There’s also a look at the design guidelines and a history of the city’s roundabouts.