"If at first you don't succeed, go around again," suggests Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, referring to navigating the newly completed roundabout located at the intersection of Gerard Street and Clinton Avenue in Huntington Village.

"There's no doubt about it, the Gerard Street roundabout is a departure from that which our residents and visitors are accustomed. It's the first roundabout in Huntington and only the second on Long Island. It's new and represents change. While some have taken to it easily, others need some time. But that's okay. While getting the hang of it, just remember to take it slow." Supervisor Petrone said.

In the meantime, Supervisor Petrone offers the following information and suggestions for those who remain on the roundabout learning curve based on the two most commonly asked questions by Huntington residents:

"The general principle behind using the roundabout," explains Supervisor Petrone, "is Yield-at-Entry. That means a motorist or bicyclist approaching a roundabout must slow down or stop for vehicles stopped ahead, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Then, when a sufficient gap is present, it's a simple maneuver similar to a right turn onto a one way street. Once in the roundabout, proceed around the central island and take the necessary right hand exit," says the Supervisor.

Supervisor Petrone adds that residents also need to remember:

1. Circulating vehicles always have the right of way.
2. All vehicles circulate counter clockwise.
3. Roundabouts are designed to accommodate large vehicles including fire trucks. The paved "truck apron" around the central island is intended to provide extra space for large trucks while driving around the roundabout.

Supervisor Petrone points out that roundabouts are often confused with a traffic circle, such as the one in Riverhead. He emphasizes that it is important to understand the distinction between a roundabout and a traffic circle in order to navigate it successfully.

"There are two main differences between a roundabout and a traffic circle. The first is speed. The design of a roundabout, with smaller central islands and median island deflectors, slows traffic upon entry and while circulating, whereas the design of a traffic circle allows for higher speed entry and circulation. The second difference is yield at entry. As described earlier, traffic circulating in the roundabout always has the right of way, and vehicles entering must yield to the traffic already circulating. In traffic circles, motorists entering the circle have the right of way and circulating vehicles must stop, often causing gridlock," Supervisor Petrone explained.

Answers Supervisor Petrone, "The New York State Department of Transportation defines a modern roundabout as a small circular intersection designed to slow traffic while decreasing delays. This is precisely what we needed at Gerard Street. Operations are improved by smooth, slower flowing traffic with less stop and go than a signalized intersection. Our roundabout was designed to improve safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Its advantage lies in a more aesthetically pleasing intersection design, since there is less pavement, while the central island and other islands offer an opportunity for landscaping. The new landscaping and brickwork result in a very attractive and distinctive entry point to the area. The new landscaping featured at the Gerard Street roundabout is the outstanding work of volunteers to whom the Town extends its sincere gratitude. Steve Meehan Design contributed the roundabout's landscaping design and Main Street Nursery donated and installed the plantings. The results are fabulous."

"Residents have written to me stating that the roundabout has already created a neighborhood feeling that is conducive to pleasant conversation between pedestrians. In our modern world where people are moving at rapid speeds all day long, it's nice to have another place in our Town that lends itself to a slower, more relaxing pace and one that provides a safer post office crossing for our seniors and all residents. I think that's very refreshing," the Supervisor concluded.