Traffic Circles - I don't understand why people are against them

Posted: Jul 23, 2009 at 11:08 PM [Jul 23, 2009]

I have read many editorials against the new traffic circles at Nixon and Huron Parkway and the ones in front of Skyline High School on Miller road. I simply don't understand why people think the traffic circles are a bad idea.

For the Nixon/Huron Parkway before the traffic circle where completed pedestrians used to have start crossing the walk into a marked triangle then turn up to 45 degrees and continue to cross multiple lanes of busy traffic. Cars crossed behind and in front of the triangles while the pedestrians attempted to cross up to about 90, Feet creating a very dangerous situation. A pedestrian was force to look forward/backward and side to side in there attempts to cross. Now the pedestrian only has to look one way at a time and only has to cross about 15 feet, creating a much safer situation.

The situation before the traffic circle at Miller road was even worse. I used to cross over Miller going two and from the highway many times a day. It was harrowing experience attempting to wait for a break in the traffic. Now crossing Miller road it is much safer and easier and there are less backups.

Also studies show that traffic circles are safer for drivers and pedestrians and cause fewer accidents.

Can someone please explain the real reason people are against them.