Roundabouts

Scott Doyon argues for a stripped-down, back-to-basics 'punk rock' approach to urban growth and development to replace the 'rock and roll' excesses of planning during the housing boom; and he profiles the new innovators who are doing just that.

While some Americans find them confusing, traffic roundabouts are good for the environment and cut down on time spent in traffic, say transportation planners.

A roundabout replaced a flashing red light that was causing traffic jams at an intersection in Wanker's Corner, Oregon. Locals are calling it a miracle.

They're safer, faster, require less fuel use and enhance public space. So why do Americans tend to reject proposals for roundabouts?

Roundabouts, usually considered a quirky European development, can reduce delays at intersections by 20%, according to studies by Kansas State University.

In and around Washington D.C., traffic planners are experimenting with converting intersections to traffic circles. Residents are slowly embracing the new roundabouts.