-
Search Results
-
This discussion got a bit lost with the election talk last month, so I wanted to update the reply I received.
For the original discussion on traffic circle rules and yielding here in the forum, you can see https://westseattleblog.com/blog/forum/topic.php?id=191&replies=19
I had said I would be contacting SDOT to find out the answer on enforcement of “short left turns” in traffic circles, and this was their reply:
“Thank you for your inquiry regarding the rules pertaining to left turns at neighborhood traffic circles. You are correct that the Washington Driver Guide (and the state law that the guide implements), does not distinguish between
neighborhood traffic circles and roundabouts.
Practically speaking, a left turn can be performed safely in front of a neighborhood traffic circle since they are typically located on low traffic volume and low speed residential streets, unlike roundabouts, which control traffic flow on higher volume arterials.
However, under a strict interpretation of the Driver Guide and state laws, this is not a legal left turn, and similarly to roundabouts, a driver turning left at a neighborhood traffic circle should proceed counterclockwise around the traffic circle, rather than turning left in front of the circle.
We recognize that this issue causes confusion, and the City will be working this year toward clarifying the distinction between neighborhood traffic circles and roundabouts in state law, addressing the issue in the Seattle Municipal
Code, or both.”
So I read this as yeah, you’ll probably get away with it because we usually ignore it, but it’s technically not legal to make the short left and you COULD get a ticket for it if somebody is bored and wants to write a ticket.
Last fall when WSB posted a topic on Cycle University’s expansion to WS and their 5-month InCycle class (https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=3411), I fantasized about signing up and getting in great shape for spring. But as with many cycling opportunities outside of BTW month, I chickened out, and now I wonder what could’ve been…
If you’re in the class now for the first time, care to share how it’s going for you? Are the classes and teachers inspiring, or are you counting the seconds til the torture is over every time? :) Also, what would you say was your cycling level before you started? Would you do it again or recommend it? What type of rider do you think it’s most geared toward? Any other thoughts? Talk to me!
In case anyone is interested, we had a Reader Recommendation Request thread on preschools back in August:
Topic: School tours & open houses
We’ve listed many on the Events page
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?page_id=3402
please let us know of any more happening in West Seattle!
The other half of the team, who is up and reading the NY Times on Sundays hours before we creak to life, notes that Michael Kinsley (moving to WS or perhaps already here, as we reported last month:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=4809 )
has an item in today’s NYT about the presidential candidates and “change”:
West Seattle, Washington
18 Friday