1. Magic Roundabout, Swindon, England
The Magic Roundabout in Swindon, England is a complex of five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle.
2. Putrajaya Roundabout, Malaysia
The Putrajaya Roundabout in Malaysia is shaped like a giant flower, and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a fountain.
3. Swinford Roundabout, Ireland
The Swinford Roundabout in Ireland is home to the world's largest sculpture of a salmon, a nod to the town's fishing history.
4. The Dancing Traffic Light Roundabout, Lisbon, Portugal
The Dancing Traffic Light Roundabout in Lisbon, Portugal features LED lights that are triggered by pedestrians and dance in time with music, making waiting for the traffic light more enjoyable.
5. Trafalgar Roundabout Sculpture, London, England
The Trafalgar Roundabout Sculpture in London, England features a giant blue rooster standing atop a column, a piece of art by Katharina Fritsch.
6. Kiko-kanamachi Roundabout, Japan
The Kiko-kanamachi Roundabout in Japan is shaped like an octopus and features multiple tentacle-like roads leading off in different directions.
7. Bily Clocks Roundabout, Czech Republic
The Bily Clocks Roundabout in the Czech Republic features a large clock tower with a carousel of horses circling it.
8. Dupont Circle, Washington DC, United States
The Dupont Circle in Washington DC, United States features a fountain that is said to have healing powers, and has often been the site of protests and gatherings.
9. Pbaseheim Roundabout, South Africa
The Pbaseheim Roundabout in South Africa is shaped like a giant soccer ball, a nod to the 2010 World Cup that was held in the country.
10. Luminous Roundabout, Sakarya, Turkey
The Luminous Roundabout in Sakarya, Turkey features a giant, glowing orb in the center of the roundabout, which changes colors throughout the night.
FAQs
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout, also known as a traffic circle, is a kind of intersection where traffic flows in a circular pattern around a central island.
Are roundabouts safer than traditional intersections?
Studies have found that roundabouts can reduce the number of accidents at intersections by up to 75%, especially those involving serious injuries or fatalities.
Do all countries use roundabouts?
No, roundabouts are more common in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and France, than others. However, their popularity is growing globally due to their safety benefits and ability to improve traffic flow.
What are some benefits of roundabouts?
Roundabouts have been found to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and reduce emissions and fuel consumption by decreasing the amount of time cars are idling at intersections.
