Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processes in Driver Behavior at Roundabouts and Crossroads

This paper is a response by the original authors to issues raised in commentaries on their earlier article, Car drivers' adjustments to cyclists at roundabouts, also in this journal. In the original article, the authors focused on the safety aspects of the design of roundabouts (traffic circles) and concluded the article with design recommendations. The general theoretical aspects of driver behavior and visual search, although implicit in the background throughout the article, were given a secondary role, and a comprehensive model was not the goal. The commentaries collectively suggested that the original authors outline a more explicit model of driver behavior at bicycle crossings while responding to certain controversial interpretations put forth. These points form the basis of the content of this reply piece.