Ottawa has embraced roundabouts as a solution to improve traffic flow, with 85 now scattered across the city, second only to Calgary. These circular intersections, found mostly in Ottawa’s suburbs, are intended to reduce accidents and emissions, but they remain a point of contention among residents.
City officials, like Emmett Proulx, highlight that roundabouts are statistically safer than traditional intersections. They reduce points of conflict for vehicles and pedestrians, cut down emissions by 30%, and lower the need for long-term maintenance compared to traffic lights. Despite these benefits, public concern persists—especially near schools, where residents fear for the safety of children and cyclists.
A recent roundabout project in Orléans has sparked protests, with some locals pointing to close calls and a tragic cyclist accident as reasons for alarm. Nevertheless, experts stress that single-lane roundabouts have proven to be significantly safer overall.
Source: Swifteradio.com
