Traffic circles near the wagon wheel? Cotati could reverse roundabout ban

Roundabouts and traffic circles were outlawed by Cotati voters over a decade ago. Next month they could reverse the prohibition.

photo credit: Washington DOT

Cotati's been bringing some continental concepts into the future of the city's streets.

In recent times the city council has entertained Dutch designs to improve plans for future housing developments.

Coming up next month, Cotati voters will have the chance to overturn the city's ban on roundabouts and traffic circles.

Measure S on Cotati residents' November fifth ballot proposes to undo the prohibition.

12 years ago the city's voters banned the construction of roundabouts and traffic circles by 57 percent of the vote, despite opposition from the city's police chief, who argued that roundabouts reduce accidents compared to traditional intersections.

A ballot argument against this fall's Measure S, written by paralegal Laurie Alderman, said the roundabout ban was "a creative way to slow down" a downtown improvement plan that proposed some roundabouts, among other changes to the city.

"This repeal of the ban on roundabouts is politically motivated to teach us citizens who is in charge once and for all and who makes the decisions in our city, no matter what the will of the citizens is," Alderman said.

The ballot argument submitted in support of Measure S was written by Mayor Laura Sparks, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition executive director Eris Weaver, and Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Veliquette; and noted that Cotati is the only city in Sonoma County to ban roundabouts.

"Everyone benefits from roundabouts. Motorists benefit as roundabouts keep traffic flowing smoothly, reducing stops and delays. This means less time stuck in traffic for all of us and makes for a quicker, more enjoyable drive through town," the argument states. "Pedestrians benefit from increased safety as traffic moves more slowly at intersections and the crossings are shorter. First responders and the community benefit since safer intersections result in fewer severe crashes requiring emergency response."

The argument ended by saying, "Cotati citizens deserve access to all proven tools for traffic control and safety."

Measure S requires majority approval to pass.