Roundabouts always make think about the two parts of problem optimization, determining your objective function then optimizing. Many classical failure states for real world problems seem to involve having an OF that is incorrect then prematurely optimizing. Think of the rich guy who wants “love at all costs” and then pursues women with expensive gifts and fancy restaurants. You may achieve your aim but perhaps you won’t get what you want.
I think the same is true of roundabouts. One part of the experience that seems almost never to be mentioned is the experience for a passenger when encountering a series of roundabouts. Let’s say you had some bad oysters and are resting your head in the back of the car on a pillow and praying you can make it home before you upchuck your dinner. Perhaps some road engineer decided to put 5 or so roundabouts consecutively to “optimize traffic flow” then somewhere around spin number 3 you lose your stomach on the backseat. Perhaps the trip was not “optimal” for you.
I think the same is true of roundabouts. One part of the experience that seems almost never to be mentioned is the experience for a passenger when encountering a series of roundabouts. Let’s say you had some bad oysters and are resting your head in the back of the car on a pillow and praying you can make it home before you upchuck your dinner. Perhaps some road engineer decided to put 5 or so roundabouts consecutively to “optimize traffic flow” then somewhere around spin number 3 you lose your stomach on the backseat. Perhaps the trip was not “optimal” for you.