With new roundabouts opening this week in Thief River Falls, here are some things to keep in mind.
• Pedestrians: Cross only at crosswalks and always stay on the designated walkways. Never cross to the central island. Cross the roundabout one approach at a time. Use the median island as a halfway point where you can check for approaching traffic.
• Bicyclists: Ride with traffic inside the roundabout or use the crosswalks appropriately. Follow the same rules as vehicles when riding with traffic and yield when entering the roundabout. Since traffic is slower inside the roundabout, cyclists should be able to travel at or near the same speed as motorists, staying in line with the circulating traffic.
• Drivers: Slow down when approaching a roundabout. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk (it is the law). Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Merge into the traffic flow when it is safe. Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Do not stop or pass in a roundabout. Exit the roundabout immediately if an emergency vehicle approaches, and then pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk when exiting the roundabout. Give large trucks extra space in a roundabout.
Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation