The Peanut issue
People don't see the "yield" signs and they barrel through the intersections. I was almost killed by a five ton dump truck recently, coming east on 27th at about 40 mph, the truck didn't even slow down a the intersection, he just plowed through, I had to screech on my brakes to avoid being struck. Other times, it has been with cars that just plow through. It's a daily occurrence.
At certain times of the day, usually rush hour, but other times, too, the traffic is backed up on Tigertail on either side of The Peanut. I'm thinking we need traffic lights there. To avoid a major accident that's waiting to happen. And to keep traffic moving, as the traffic back-ups now are not making traffic any faster.
posted by Tom Falco at 5:00 AM
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16 Comments:
Do you usually have traffic circles in FL? Im originally from NJ where we have them and they are usually the most efficient way to do an intersection. I dont understand why people cannot understand them elsewhere. Just one rule - yield to anybody already in the circle. But I agree people here do not seem to get it yet.
South Florida drivers don't know how traffic circles work. I've seen people stop in the middle of the circle to let myself or others through. Most common occurrence is for people to treat it like a 4 way stop - they flat out stop even with no other cars in the vicinity.
Especially true at Cocoplum Circle intersections. The worst are drivers exiting the development and cutting off those heading to the bridge.
I'm actually surprised you're having these issues. I have had nothing but success navigating the peanut. I actually wish they'd put a circle on Tigertail and Aviation as well, that light always jams up the traffic flow.
I much prefer traffic circles (including 'Peanuts') as I have found them to usually be the most efficient at minimizing traffic slow downs..IF...people could just understand how to navigate them properly. I sort of grew up in Germany and England where traffic circles are used a lot more often than here. So, it seems natural to me how they are intended to be used and navigated, but the drivers here don't all handle them the same. IT IS NOT doing the majority any favors to yield, or especially stop, once you are in the traffic circle. Please don't do that! At the peanut where there is room for only one vehicle in a lane, the traffic already in the peanut must be yielded to by approaching trafffic...not the other way around. At Cocoplum circle, the same applies except that there is room for exiting traffic to stay to the right and traffic continuing to the next exit to be on the left. THAT'S a concept that is well understood in England but will probably never be widely understood here. Still, there is little reason for cars to stop at the circle's yield signs at Cocoplum circle and back up traffic for blocks. However, until motorists are educated, the backups in rush hour will continue.
the Peanut is a very interesting challenge. Keeps one on their toes. I rather like it.
On your toes for sure! I particularly enjoy trying to cross streets on foot at the peanut, or the traffic circle on Virginia by the dog park. Apparently people are so challenged by having to merge and make decisions they totally forget there are pedestrians who are supposed to have the right of way. I've changed my walking routes around the center Grove to avoid both spots.
No doubt Mr. Russell will resolve this "Peanut Problem" along with returning the "Last Call" at all bars to 5am, halting "Gentrification of West Grove", preventing further "Upzoning of Luxury Condos", returning the "Nut" to Coconut Grove, providing more "Access to Biscayne Bay" and hopefully "Grove Secession from Miami". Isn't that why he was elected?
The best rule of thumb at circles (or peanuts) is the "alternate yield" process. Just like at a 4 way stop intersections (like Tigertail and SW 22 Ave) where you take turns proceeding in the order in which you arrived at your stop sign. Sometimes there will be a self-important jerk or confused tourist who breaks ranks but it generally works. The peanut IS an oddity in not having clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks. Running is advised.
There is no rule of thumb, you yield to the vehicle on your left. Simple..
Back in the good old days when drivers were more considerate, traffic circles were good thing. Here in Miami where it is every man for himself, they are a little scary.
having an inner and outer lane at cocoplum is actually the easiest circle to maneuver.
i once got stuck on the inner lane of a circle in New Jersey and no one would let me in to the outer lane to exit. I went around about 5 times.
Funny you should say that about Cocoplum circle because just yesterday some woman exiting Cocoplum cut me off. I was so furious I wanted to chase her down just to give her a lesson in how to behave at a circle but alas, she was going too fast
It isn't just the peanut, it appears to be a mentality, i.e., in any large store some folks simply stand in doorways & no one can pass, others leave their shopping carts in the middle of isles, on the expressways if you leave a safe distance between U & other cars someone will always quickly fill the void only to realize no gain and then move back into the lane they just lost space from, @ Cosco some folks push their carts as in some some competitive sport, only slowing down to grab free food samples; our Grove is no different. Yesterday a lady at our Malano's simply stood after her groceries had been processed - - - - talking to someone on her cell phone, couldn't pay her bill, well over 7 minutes as folks were forced to move to other lines, no management personnel could move her, she was transfixed AND KNEW IT, I tried to get past her and she moved to block my exit. It took a police officer, yet she remained defiant. The PEANUT is just a part of this new world thing.
Mr. or Ms. Anonymous 9:35 PM
Do you know what "rule of thump" means?
I used to ride (bike) through the peanut every day to and from work. In theory it is so much better than the old light. If used by normal humans it would run smoothly. BUT, we live in Miami where "people" don't use their turn signal. And this is the main hang up. Drivers wait in the yield lanes while moron after moron do not signal their intention to turn, thus backing up every one. It drives me insane! I am glad i don't have a gun. INFURIATING! ! The peanut is not the issue, the complete lack of driving skills are. ARGGH.
The CocoPeanut Conundrum will never be solved. It is a brilliant Engineering marvel beyond human comprehension.
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