Round and round and round she goes!
The new Janesville Menard's Superstore opened this weekend, and Del Taco opened several weeks ago, so the new Janesville round-a-bout is getting a good road test. Have you driven on it yet? What do you think?
I first tried out the round-a-bout when Del Taco opened. To be honest, I thought it was kinda fun, and I chose to drive around it twice... just because I could.
But a woman who entered the circle from Morse Street was not as amused as I was. In fact, rather than enter the round-a-bout, she stopped, gestured helplessly, then she took a sharp left and pulled into oncoming traffic (me) in an attempt to execute a U-turn back onto Morse Street.
Fortunately, she and I were the only two vehicles in the area, and after I got out of her way, all was just fine.
I think this location is a good introduction for a round-a-bout. Traffic is rather slow, and it's only one lane. (And, really, you have to try hard to go the wrong way.) Aside from one frustrated, impatient woman, I believe, with the lure of fast food and hardware, the residents of Janesville just might get the hang of it.
I, for one, look forward to fewer traffic lights. How about you?
May 30, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
I love when people get angry at you when THEYRE doing something wrong. I came out of walgreens at 5 points to turn left only onto the ONE way court street and there was a car coming at me. He looked at me like why did you pull out in front of me???? he was going down the closest lane the wrong way. I usually look both ways anyway even if one way for that reason. I started to pull onto court because no one was coming from the one way then looked left and he was right there I was able to stop in time. but the kind waving my by and him stopping to let me as he came up court from the one way was irritating. He comtinued down the wrong way not even knowing he was still going the WRONG way. Maybe he doesnt understand the english road signs??
May 30, 2008 at 7:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
It's a concept that the rest of the world already embraces. It's a change people should get used to, because it may be the future of traffic control here in the states. No "Stop" signs, just "Yield" signs. WOW! Complicated, huh?
May 28, 2008 at 7:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
To encourage friendly and eager use of the roundabout, an official opening would be in order:
A round stage in the center could be constructed. On opening day B'moon could be up there in a mini-skirt and go-go boots boogalooing to the endless play of Funky Funky Broadway.
Then Sheiffer, dressed in a day-glo Nehru jacket and a neon headband, shows up by way of two or three of those big bouncy somersaults like they do in the kung fu movies, lands feet first on the stage next to B'moon then the two commence to dirty dancin'.
Peace will guide the planets.
May 28, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
This will never work in Janesville for the following reasons:
<1>There are no yellow lights to speed through.
<2>There is no way to cut in front of someone at the last second, just before turning.
<3>All those loud stereos will culminate in a "rotating headache".
<4>There is not enough room for all the circuit riders to cruise in a single traffic circle.
<5>Stan Milam will be "turning left and gassing it" every chance he gets.
But in all seriousness, I do think they're a great idea. Practice makes perfect.
May 27, 2008 at 10:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Once Hedberg receives the intructional DVDs, the city should construct a kiosk at the roundabout that houses DVD players equiped with headphones.
To augment the learning process, walking, on site demonstrations could be conducted by city staff with the assistence of interns who plan to pursue careers in public service.
An ombudsmen on site will deal with any concerns and suggestions from the public. An official city liason will relay all pressing matters immediately to the city manager's office.
In the fall the city should issue a press release to inform the public if the driving direction of the roundabout is reversed when we set our clocks back.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: WCLO.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.