Author: Caspian Ale
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History of Roundabouts, Part 3: From the Lab to the Street
Britain’s modern roundabout principles moved from controlled experiments to public roads through the development of mini-roundabouts. This part examines the early trials in Peterborough, Cardiff, and Hillingdon, including what they demonstrated about capacity, delay, pedestrians, and safety. Read more →
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History of Roundabouts, Part 2: The Modern Roundabout Is Born
The modern roundabout emerged in Britain through more than a change in priority. This part examines Frank Blackmore’s research, the 1966 give-way rule, and the geometric changes that began controlling entry speed and vehicle paths. Read more →
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History of Roundabouts, Part 1: Before the Modern Roundabout
Roundabouts did not begin as the compact, yield-controlled intersections used today. Part 1 traces monumental circles, Columbus Circle, early one-way gyratory systems, and the large, high-speed rotaries that shaped public perceptions before the modern roundabout emerged. Read more →
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Connected to Nothing
I stood alone on a pale pink surface that stretched endlessly in every direction. As a strange warm fluid rose around me, dissolving the boundary between myself and the world, I experienced something difficult to describe: the feeling of being connected to nothing, and somehow, at the same time, connected to everything. Read more →
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History of Traffic Signals, Part 5: The Modern Signal and Its Future
Modern traffic signals operate within increasingly data-driven and connected systems. Part 5 explores adaptive control, performance measurement, signal warrants, Safe System principles, V2X, artificial intelligence, and the continuing responsibility of public agencies to manage these technologies effectively. Read more →
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History of Traffic Signals, Part 4: Expanding Whom and What the Signal Serves
Traffic signals gradually expanded beyond serving general motor-vehicle traffic. Part 4 examines pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, turn arrows, LED displays, transit priority, and emergency-vehicle preemption, along with the operational and safety considerations these capabilities introduced. Read more →
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History of Traffic Signals, Part 3: The Signal Becomes Responsive and Networked
Traffic signals eventually moved beyond predetermined timing. Part 3 examines how vehicle detection, electronic controllers, open architectures, central computers, and communications made signals more responsive to changing traffic conditions and connected them as parts of larger transportation networks. Read more →
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History of Traffic Signals, Part 2: From Isolated Signals to a National System
As traffic signals spread, engineers needed to coordinate them and establish consistent practices across jurisdictions. Part 2 follows the development of coordinated signal systems and the MUTCD, which helped transform isolated traffic-control devices into a standardized national system. Read more →
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History of Traffic Signals, Part 1: Before the Modern Traffic Signal
Traffic control began with officers, gestures, whistles, and mechanical devices. Part 1 traces the development of early electric and three-color signals, examines the contributions of several important inventors, and explains why no single person invented the modern traffic signal. Read more →
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Writing to Be Seen
I thought I publicly wrote because I enjoyed it. Looking back now, I realize the truth was more complicated than that. I also wrote privately which helped me understand myself, but public writing was also tied to identity, attention, audience, and the desire to be seen. It’s almost the case for all public writings. Nothing… Read more →
