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This study explores the nature and extent of problems related to pedestrian user experience at Minnesota roundabouts. Pedestrian user experience in this study is measured by way of studying driver-yielding rates toward pedestrians at Minnesota roundabout crossings, pedestrian infrastructure design, and pedestrian behavior characteristics at Minnesota roundabout crossing treatments. To gather roundabout candidates for this study, a survey was conducted with Minnesota city and county engineers, as well as with the project Technical Advisory Panel members. Fifteen roundabouts were shortlisted for conducting field observations followed by installing multiple cameras at each roundabout. Eight roundabout locations were shortlisted for conducting case studies and in-depth analysis to study pedestrian user experience. Case study findings have shown that when compared to multi-lane roundabouts, single-lane roundabouts performed well in terms of driver vehicle-yielding rates toward pedestrians. Use of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at pedestrian crossings has shown better driver-yielding rates while in-roadway signs have shown satisfactory results. Based on the knowledge gathered from previous research by way of literature review combined with Minnesota roundabouts studied in this research effort, a guidance document was developed to help city and county engineers enhance pedestrian user experience at Minnesota roundabouts.

Roundabouts are gaining popularity in Minnesota as a way to control traffic flow at particular intersections or over roadway corridors. Even though they often resolve identified safety or operational problems at intersections, roundabouts can also negatively affect overall roadway system performance. For example, introducing a roundabout can disrupt planned traffic signal timings and coordination between signals.

This Technical Summary pertains to the LRRB-produced Report 2017-14, “Strategies for Effective Roundabout Approach Speed Reduction,” published May 2017.

Includes photos of the construction of the Highway 43 roundabout at Winona in June 2022.

This Technical Summary pertains to the LRRB-produced Report 2017-30, “Evaluation of Safety and Mobility of Two-Lane Roundabouts,” published July 2017.

The Local Road Research Board (LRRB) was interested in more information about lighting roundabouts effectively but efficiently to improve pedestrian safety, and more generally in a synthesis of information that could serve as a starting point for review of several topics in roundabout lighting.

This Technical Summary pertains to Report 2012-28, “Investigation of Pedestrian/Bicyclist Risk in Minnesota Roundabout Crossings,” published September 2012.

This Technical Summary pertains to Report 2023-01, “Pedestrian User Experience at Roundabouts,” published August 2022.