decorahnews.com readers say "Yes" to the concept of a roundabout in Decorah

If the City of Decorah wants to create a roundabout between City Hall and the Post Office, decorahnews.com readers are not opposed to the idea.

Just under 400 readers gave us their opinions--and 54 percent either loved or liked the idea.  Another 12 percent were undecided, which meant that only 34 percent were opposed.

A roundabout is a circular traffic intersection in which traffic travels in one direction around a central island.  They are sometimes called traffic circles or rotaries, although those terms typically describe intersections in which traffic operates at higher speeds.

A surprising number of readers are already familiar with the roundabouts.  Said one, "Our daughter lives in Mt Horeb, WI where they have 5 or 6. They take a bit of getting used to, but then are great."  Another noted, "I lived in Switzerland for nine years and grew to love them."  Others discussed using them in Norway and in England.

But familiarity didn't always breed appreciation.  One reader said succinctly, "hate them in Europe, hate them in Wisconsin, just bad."  Another reader questioned, "drivers here don't know what a flashing red light means-figure out a roundabout? HA!"

City of Decorah officials haven't yet officially accepted the roundabout proposal.  They must first decide which street project should be given a priority--work on Short Street or work on Heivly Street.