With gas prices on the rise and new policies and ideas on the table, it's time to look at how we get around. We all need to get someplace and we use many different modes of transportation to do so. As we kick off 2011 at OnMilwaukee.com, we're taking an in-depth look at how we get around with a special "Transportation Week," featuring all kinds of stories about how Milwaukee gets where it's going. So, buckle up, hop on and all aboard.

Had to run out to West Allis today for a meeting. Since I-94 doesn't exactly whisk along during the afternoon hours, I've made it a habit to use Canal Street to get past Miller Park on my way to points westward.

It's a fairly easy and hassle-free drive but I always seem to get stuck, sitting and waiting while somebody sits at a complete stop waiting to enter the roundabout at 26th Street.

The whole point of a roundabout, from what I gather, is to keep traffic moving freely and safely through an intersection. I can't figure out why the concept is so difficult to grasp: the signs clearly say "yield," which in other cases, are often completely ignored by motorists, but yet ... some people sit and wait and wait and wait for the roundabout to clear before entering.

I hear people complaining all the time that roundabouts are "stupid," "dangerous," a "waste of time" and "too hard to figure out."

Really? Too hard to figure out? Come on.

As you approach the roundabout, you slow and yield to oncoming traffic in your lane. Otherwise, maintain a safe, low speed and proceed. It couldn't get any simpler than that.

If anyone is still befuddled by the crazy concept, the Department of Transportation has some helpful hints and videos.