La Crosse’s first roundabout working just fine

Well it seems that was much ado about nothing. Critics of roundabouts lobbied loudly against La Crosse’s first roundabout, at 7th and Cass. The roundabout has since been built, and traffic there seems to be flowing smoothly. The potential for accidents has been reduced, but also the flow of traffic continues at an uninterrupted pace. In fact, for pedestrians, just one block away it is easier to cross the street without taking your life into your hands. At 7th and King, crossing the street yields a much shorter wait for traffic to clear. That is because without a light, there is no line of cars gunning it when the light turns green. Drivers through the roundabout spend less time sitting in traffic because they don’t actually come to a stop. As a driver I would always rather keep moving, even if it means going in a bit of a circle. Still, many in our community remain opposed on principle to roundabouts. But it seems likely more will be coming. Wisconsin’s DOT has boasted of the state becoming a leader in roundabouts as a way to make our roads safer. With a reconstruction of South Avenue a few years away, planners are looking at putting in a series of roundabouts on that stretch. Those specific plans are still up in the air, but there is no reason to reject roundabouts on principle. They are cheaper to construct and maintain, and help reduce accidents. Those who don’t like roundabouts should give them a try. It really isn’t difficult at all.