The Great California Roundabout Round-Up: Counting Circles From Crescent City to Coronado
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, surf, and...well, a surprising lack of roundabouts? That's right, folks, while those charming circular intersections are all the rage elsewhere (looking at you, Vermont, with your top-ranking roundabout ratio), California has been a bit of a roundabout resistor. But fear not, fellow travelers, for the tide is turning!
Why the Roundabout Resistance?
Traditionally, California has been a land of sprawling freeways and good ol' fashioned traffic lights. Maybe it's a cultural thing, a love affair with the left turn lane (or the existential dread it inspires). Perhaps it's a lingering distrust of anything that requires yielding (gasp!). Whatever the reason, roundabouts haven't exactly been on the fast track to Californian hearts.
Roundabouts Are Making a Comeback (Cue Dramatic Music)
But wait! Just like that pesky avocado toast trend that refuses to die, roundabouts are having a moment in the Golden State. Cities from Eureka (yes, there really is a Eureka!) to El Cajon are embracing the roundabout revolution. Why the sudden surge? Well, folks, it turns out roundabouts have some hidden talents:
- Traffic Tamers: They say roundabouts can reduce crashes by up to 30%! That's a lot less fender-bendy fun for everyone.
- Flow Fantastic: Roundabouts keep traffic moving, like a well-oiled churro machine (minus the cinnamon sugar mess).
- Low Maintenance Legends: Roundabouts are like the Beyonce of intersections: fierce and fabulous, but with less need for constant attention (and costume changes).
So, How Many Roundabouts Does California Actually Have?
Now, here's the million dollar question (or maybe just a dollar fifty question, California ain't cheap). Unfortunately, there's no central database tracking the exact number of roundabouts in the state. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) tells us, "the number is growing," which is about as helpful as a fortune cookie that just says "questionable decisions ahead."
Here's what we do know:
- It ain't a roundabout renaissance...yet. California is still lagging behind roundabout-heavy states.
- They're popping up everywhere! Cities are starting to see the roundabout revolution for what it is: a traffic-calming, flow-inducing gift.
So, the next time you're cruising down a California highway, keep your eyes peeled for those circular traffic champions. They may be few and far between for now, but they're definitely on the rise. And who knows, maybe one day California will be the roundabout king (or queen, because roundabouts don't discriminate).
