 Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410
Adjunct
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OP
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Posts: 410 |
Two nights ago, I was approaching a traffic circle (the municipality's method of containing the cost of traffic signal installation and maintenance) and stopped at the edge as a good rider should, heeding the YIELD sign. When the way was clear, I proceeded into the circle. At the first inlet to my right, a car started into the circle. I was able to come to a stop to avoid a collision. They also stopped, so being fully in the circle and having the right-of-way (we're in Maryland, USA), I gave them that steely-eyed glare so many of us have had to master, and continued on. Well, they also continued on and we had to stop again. This time I went beyond that steely-eyed glare and shouted epithets at such volume my right ear-plug dislodged. No kidding, the thing fell right out of my ear and I could feel it tickling the lobe. Luckily it didn't fall out of my helmet. Apparently, my voice carried through my closed helmet and through their closed car windows because they stayed put at this point. So, my first question is, has anybody had an experience like this? I have heard that traffic circle/rotary regulations vary from state to state (in the USA) and certainly from country to country. Was I just dealing with somebody who is used to different regulations? Second question, have you ever yelled at somebody so loudly that your earplugs or false teeth dislodged? I'm really trying to see the humor in a near-death experience 
John
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"The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is planning" - Charles Hutchins
2008 TBA / Black / NCHD Windscreen / Saddlebags / De-Baffled Pipes / Flat Black Console
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Ahem...why "Yes", John...in fact.... I'll be in a roundabout My words will make my ear plugs fall out I'll spend the day your way...... Call it morning driving thru the sound and In and out the valley...... Okay...sorry.... Yeah, after years of nary comin' across any of 'em, they're lately startin' to go crazy out here in AZ with puttin' roundabouts at more and more intersections. And, because it's somewhat of a foreign concept to many Arizonans, you really have to be extra careful whenever entering them, as I've encountered many folks here who will fail to yield when it's their responsibility to do so as they approach the roundabout and after I'm already inside of 'em.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
People just don't know what yield means....or who has the right of way...even on on ramps, they just pull into the first lane and expect you to slow down for them or turn in the next lane!! they should put up STOP signs!!!
'04' Black America
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
It happens to me occasionally - lots of roundabouts here. That's when my dual LOUD horns pay for themselves.
PS Dwight - Love the song by Yes - especially Rick Wakeman's organ riff.
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
In Pa,if you are in the circle you have the right away.That being said,forcing the issue of right away on a bike can lead to taking a dirt nap rightaway!.I usually hit the inside of them at a quick clip and leave them just as quick.The key is to dont pussyfoot,the longer your in one the longer your in danger.Glad your still with us John! BTW,roundabouts are more fun on a Tiger, lol.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
All the ones I encounter are like Smaug's, if you are in the circle, you have the right of way. All that is except for the one in my hometown at the City Park. That one has a Yield sign for traffic coming thru. I discovered this to the horror of my wife, daughter and an oncoming car that I failed to give the right of way..... I wish they'd make these danged things consistent!!@#@ That would have been horrifying to hit someone, or worse someone on a bike. The morale to John and my story is trust no one!
What peeves me off lately is I pull up to an intersection. The opposite vehicle clearly arrived before I did. If it is an old person, they invariably want to wave me thru even though they clearly have the right of way. If I have to turn left in front of them, I'll just sit and keep waving them thru. Trust no one! I'm glad you made it thru safely John!
Al
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Happens all the time. Anytime you approach a cage that wants to turn or merge, then danger is as the cage turns. The circle affords LOTS of opportunities for that sort of fun is all. footnote: Why traffic circles are so cool: You get to split lanes/filter with impunity, sortof.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84 |
Theres a cool one in Swindon, know as 'The Magic Roundabout' (I think because the designer had been at the mushrooms that day)
Anyway, its a collection of them, all together.. meaning that the one in the middle you have to go round 'the wrong way'..
If you every want to see a confused cager, thats the place for it!
I'll see if I can find a googlemaps link.
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Professional geek, photographer and dad to the four best people in the world..
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84
Member
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Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84 |
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Professional geek, photographer and dad to the four best people in the world..
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
The one we have in Gettysburg is a nightmare around tourist season { 10 months out of the year} . Nobody gives rightaway,the cops go nowhere near it except to take down accident reports.This is where I learned how to drag pegs!
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Here, found it:
Google Maps - Magic Roundabout!
Dang man! With ALL the impaired drivers out in the world, I'd hate to have to negotiate that one! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I for one, did not understand the roundabout a bit!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84
Member
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Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84 |
Quote:
Quote:
Here, found it:
Google Maps - Magic Roundabout!
Dang man! With ALL the impaired drivers out in the world, I'd hate to have to negotiate that one!
its not as daunting as it first looks.. I'm told that originally it was just the 6 interconnected mini-roundabouts, all low-level ones.. and people would simply aim at the exit they wanted and drive straight there! Cant do that now, but its not too bad.
Driving in France is worse. SOME of their roundabouts give priority to the drivers already on the roundabout, and some give priority to the cars arriving, (so if you're on the roundabout you have to stop and let new people on..)
The only way to tell will be a small sign indicating the appropriate 'priorite' as you approach it.. and then you also have to hope that the other drivers say the sign too... not good!
in the UK we have a lot of them, but they all have the same rules, and same rules on lane discipline, so its not too bad - and they do keep the traffic flowing much better than traffic lights do.
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Professional geek, photographer and dad to the four best people in the world..
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
Years ago when I lived in Portsmouth, NH the only time I saw an accident in one of the traffic circles was when someone from Massachusetts was involved. Back then New Hampshire and Maine had, as today, the traffic in the circle having the right of way, and traffic entering the circle had to yield. Massachusetts on the other hand had it the other way around. Which they changed in the mid 80's to conform with all the other states around them.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,201 Likes: 1
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,201 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Here, found it:
- Magic Roundabout!
That is ridiculous!! Why they didn'y just put a single large roundabout there is beyond me ( then again, most highway planning decisions don't seem to make sense)!!
I will have to try it one day.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84
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Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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Professional geek, photographer and dad to the four best people in the world..
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
"In 2009 it was voted the fourth scariest junction in Britain, in a poll by Britannia Rescue." From Wikipedia What are the 3rd, 2nd and 1st scariest?  
'04' Black America
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 84 |
This one was Number 1, commonly known as 'spaghetti Junction': Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham
Last edited by Bascule; 12/03/2010 7:09 PM.
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Professional geek, photographer and dad to the four best people in the world..
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387 |
Quote:
I for one, did not understand the roundabout a bit!!
You put your right foot in, you take your right foot out...They are starting to show up more here. But the one that tops it is an interchange at Dorsett & I-270. You diverge, cross lanes, as you pass under the 270.
Yep, as you drive under the overpass, you driving on the left side of the road.
Sono qui per la birra
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Here is the correct way to deal with a roundabout.... traffic circle
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
runabouts? Hens teeth I say. Try this the next time your at one of those red lights. Change traffic lights with a universal remote!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
'04' Black America
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
I just do not get the concept. I personally think it's the dumbest dam idea ever. I understand these have been around for ever in the UK. The same concept has been used for years in small town USA. All roads leading into town intersect at the courthouse. And to this day no you really knows who's supposed to go next. It's like mice on a wheel, Dumb! Rant over 
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Seriously? I could see getting confused with the larger, multi-lane ones. But we have a few single lane ones and other than ignorant newbies stopping when they shouldn't because they're confused, the circles are slicker than snot. You only have to look one way. If there's someone at the left, don't go. If there isn't, go. Pretty simple if you ask me. Saves gas and time, mainly because you don't have to stop needlessly at some dumbass traffic signal when no one else is around.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Seriously? I could see getting confused with the larger, multi-lane ones. But we have a few single lane ones and other than ignorant newbies stopping when they shouldn't because they're confused, the circles are slicker than snot. You only have to look one way. If there's someone at the left, don't go. If there isn't, go. Pretty simple if you ask me. Saves gas and time, mainly because you don't have to stop needlessly at some dumbass traffic signal when no one else is around.
Well said, John.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Quote:
Quote:
Seriously? I could see getting confused with the larger, multi-lane ones. But we have a few single lane ones and other than ignorant newbies stopping when they shouldn't because they're confused, the circles are slicker than snot. You only have to look one way. If there's someone at the left, don't go. If there isn't, go. Pretty simple if you ask me. Saves gas and time, mainly because you don't have to stop needlessly at some dumbass traffic signal when no one else is around.
Well said, John.
Guys, you're correct. In certain situations the "roundabouts" work as designed but we're seeing these things pop up everywhere. In neighborhoods where a two way or four way stop sign has worked quite well for eons.
I saw one the other day that was only about six feet across. I mean what the heck, you have to move the cage to the right only about 4' to clear the thing.
Oh he11, never mind I gotta lay off the eggnog. 
GET OFF MY LAWN
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
There're 2 of these roundabouts on A1A at Amelia Island, near the Plantation and Ritz Carlton. Just as at a marina, there's a pecking order. Rolls, Maserati, etc. preceed Lexus, Mercedes, etc., which preceed Jaguar, Lincoln... and so forth. Motorcycles rate below pedestrians (of which there are never any). After one particularly close call, my strategy is to start hollering like a madman as I approach. They notice me and stop. I wave after I pass through and figure I've just added an interesting anecdote to their vacation stories.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152 |
Holy cr*p - run away! 
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247 |
They have some new ones in Delaware that are so tight, at 15 mph. I'm draging the foot pegs. I think the YIELD sign is only there to prepair every one for the game of Chicken. New Jersey has some that you feel like your in a jousting match. Just plain vissious!
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Holy cr*p - run away!
Yeah, that's a little freaky, but I'm sure it still works fine once you know what the deal is.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
There are a couple here in Houston but nothing like that. Must be in Canada
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,494 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Yeah, that's a little freaky, but I'm sure it still works fine once you know what the deal is.
Only thing is that I'm always behind, on the side of, or in front of someone that's "learning what the deal is"
'04' Black America
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Yeah, that's a little freaky, but I'm sure it still works fine once you know what the deal is.
Only thing is that I'm always behind, on the side of, or in front of someone that's "learning what the deal is"
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
There are a couple here in Houston but nothing like that. Must be in Canada
That's right... it's inspired by the shape and efficiency of an igloo!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
yea an igloo wouldn't last long here. They wouldn't expect an american driver to have to navagate that most of them can't navagate a straight a way
Last edited by locopony; 12/27/2010 5:46 PM.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
Yeah, that's a little freaky, but I'm sure it still works fine once you know what the deal is.
Only thing is that I'm always behind, on the side of, or in front of someone that's "learning what the deal is"
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I bet the guy who designed that thing is glad he don't live in an igloo.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
The circles around here (Wa state) always have a blind spot problem due to the landscaping mound in the center, I don't believe the ones in Europe do that, to work as intended, they need an unobstructed view 
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Holy cr*p - run away!
Swindon's contribution to the national debt 
Either that or it was designed by a committee 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Traffic Circles/Rotaries
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
civil engineers ?????????????????
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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