The City of Carmel is gearing up for a week-long national celebration of roundabouts that will include a special event each day of the week, Sept. 16 to 20. Each year, the Federal Highway Administration celebrates National Roundabout Week during the third week in September. Carmel has been a leader in the construction of roundabouts, currently leading the nation with more roundabouts (126 as of today) than any city in America.
“It is important that we take time to celebrate our increasingly safer streets and intersections by paying tribute to roundabouts, which reduce severe crashes by about 80 percent compared to traditional two-way stop-controlled intersections,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “We also hope to use this week to educate our residents and visitors on how to navigate roundabouts and stay safe while driving.”
According to the federal government, there are more than 4,000 roundabouts in the U.S. today.
Federal Highway Administration encourages transportation agencies to consider roundabouts during new construction and reconstruction projects, as well as for existing intersections that have been identified as needing safety or operational improvements. Roundabouts are an effective safety countermeasure. Click here to learn more.
Meanwhile, make sure you join in the fun for the daily events beginning Monday. All are free and open to the public. Here is the schedule:
Monday, Sept. 16
Roundabout trivia night at Books & Brews at Carmel City Center, 7 p.m. Test your knowledge of Carmel’s roundabouts. Prizes to be given to the winning teams.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Check out the new Rock & Roundabout video on the BIG SCREEN at Midtown Plaza throughout the evening. The video will feature continuous roundabout trivia questions and photos scrolling through with high energy music. Also make sure to visit the All Things Carmel booth to get your roundabout T-shirts and swag from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
At 4:30 p.m., come celebrate a new sculpture, ‘Grace, Love and Joy,’ which has been installed inside the roundabout at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Old Meridian streets. This event will include snacks and refreshments provided by our host, Encore Sotheby’s on their rooftop deck.
Thursday, Sept. 19
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. attend a Roundabout Block Party at the Village of West Clay as new recognition signage is unveiled at the Horseferry Road roundabout, just south of Main Street. This roundabout was named the World’s Most Beautiful Roundabout in 2016. Food will be provided by Greek’s Pizzeria and Zing Cafe, from the Village of West Clay and a DJ will be spinning some tunes.
Friday, Sept. 20
Show your roundabout pride by wearing your roundabout shirt to work on this special end of the week celebration. Also, head out to Carmel’s first roundabout – Main Street and River Road – and watch as bicyclist extraordinaire Dave Schweikert attempts to set a world record by riding his bike around the roundabout for 24 hours. He is scheduled to begin his historic ride at 6 p.m.
All week long
Follow the City of Carmel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more. Join along with the rest of the nation by following #RoundaboutsWeek.