FARMINGTON – The first lesson in Roundabout 101: Slow down and look left when entering.
The Farmington Police Department released a how-to video on its Facebook page Thursday breaking down how to navigate the city’s first roundabout.
Sgt. Shaun Goodsell with the FPD walked watchers through the process of entering a roundabout. He said the roundabout is meant to make the downtown corridor safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists by reducing speeds in the downtown area.
The single-lane roundabout is on Main Street, at the intersection with Orchard Avenue. It was part of downtown renovations, which debuted earlier this month.
The reopening of Main Street from Court Avenue to Orchard Avenue was part of the monthslong first phase of the city’s Complete Streets Project. The Farmington Main Street Program is part of a larger downtown revitalization with the national Main Street America Program.
Phase 1, launched in early January, focused on expanding the sidewalks along Main Street and adding a roundabout.
In the video produced by San Juan Safe Communities Initiative, drivers and cyclists are advised to slow down when approaching, entering and exiting the roundabout, look for pedestrians in the crosswalk, yield to vehicles and cyclists in the roundabout, and to be vigilant and patient.
Drivers are also advised if they miss their exit to continue in the roundabout until they come to their desired exit again.
“It’s important to remember roundabouts are a new feature in our community so they make take a bit of time to get used to,” Goodsell said. “Please be patient and kind to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”
Perhaps the best advice in the video comes from Ranger Koritko as he slowly scoots past on a police Segway.
“You kids be safe,” he said.
lweber@durangoherald.com