Pedestrian crossings are essential for road safety, providing designated areas for people to cross streets safely. Different types of crossings exist, each designed with unique features to regulate both pedestrian and vehicle movement. Among them, the most well-known are Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, and Pegasus crossings.
In this topic, we’ll explore what each crossing is, how they work, their differences, and why they are important for road safety.
1. What Are Pedestrian Crossings?
Pedestrian crossings are marked areas on roads where people have the right of way to cross safely. They are controlled by traffic lights, road markings, or a combination of both. Some crossings prioritize pedestrians entirely, while others allow cyclists and even horse riders to cross.
Each crossing type is designed to improve safety and traffic efficiency. Understanding these crossings helps pedestrians and drivers navigate roads responsibly.
2. Zebra Crossing
What Is a Zebra Crossing?
A Zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing marked by black and white stripes on the road, resembling a zebra’s pattern. These crossings are not controlled by traffic lights but are instead governed by road rules giving pedestrians priority.
How It Works
- Pedestrians can step onto a Zebra crossing at any time.
- Vehicles must stop if a pedestrian is crossing.
- Flashing amber lights (called Belisha beacons) often accompany Zebra crossings to increase visibility.
Advantages of Zebra Crossings
✅ Quick and efficient – No need for pedestrian lights.
✅ Increases pedestrian safety in low-traffic areas.
✅ Cost-effective – No electrical signals are required.
Where Are Zebra Crossings Used?
Zebra crossings are common in residential areas, near schools, and small towns where pedestrian flow is high but vehicle speed is moderate.
3. Pelican Crossing
What Is a Pelican Crossing?
A Pelican crossing (Pedestrian Light-Controlled Crossing) uses traffic lights to control when pedestrians can cross. The name “Pelican” comes from a modification of the term “PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled”.
How It Works
- Pedestrians press a button to activate traffic signals.
- The lights change from green to red, stopping vehicles.
- A flashing amber phase follows, allowing cars to move if the crossing is clear.
Advantages of Pelican Crossings
✅ Safer for pedestrians – Vehicles must stop.
✅ Traffic management – Helps in areas with heavier traffic.
✅ Clear pedestrian signal – Uses red and green man symbols for guidance.
Where Are Pelican Crossings Used?
Pelican crossings are found in busy urban areas, near shopping centers, and places with high pedestrian traffic.
4. Puffin Crossing
What Is a Puffin Crossing?
A Puffin crossing (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent Crossing) is a modern upgrade to the Pelican crossing. It uses sensors to detect pedestrians and adjust the crossing time accordingly.
How It Works
- Pedestrians press a button, and the system detects when they are waiting.
- The traffic lights stay red for vehicles until the person has crossed.
- If no one is waiting, the lights return to green for traffic.
Advantages of Puffin Crossings
✅ Smart detection – Uses sensors to determine pedestrian presence.
✅ No flashing amber – Reduces confusion for drivers.
✅ More pedestrian-friendly – Ensures people have enough time to cross.
Where Are Puffin Crossings Used?
Puffin crossings are common in busy intersections and modern city streets where pedestrian safety is a priority.
5. Toucan Crossing
What Is a Toucan Crossing?
A Toucan crossing (Two-Can Cross) is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. The name comes from the idea that “Two Can” cross together-both walkers and cyclists.
How It Works
- Pedestrians and cyclists share a wider crossing space.
- Traffic lights control movement, similar to a Puffin crossing.
- No need for cyclists to dismount; they can ride across.
Advantages of Toucan Crossings
✅ Cyclist-friendly – No need to get off the bike.
✅ Wider crossing area – Accommodates more users.
✅ Improved traffic flow – Reduces congestion at busy spots.
Where Are Toucan Crossings Used?
Toucan crossings are found near parks, cycling routes, and shared pedestrian-cyclist pathways.
6. Pegasus Crossing
What Is a Pegasus Crossing?
A Pegasus crossing is designed for horse riders and pedestrians. Named after the mythical winged horse, Pegasus crossings have higher-mounted buttons for horse riders to press without dismounting.
How It Works
- Pedestrians and horse riders share the crossing.
- Traffic lights control movement.
- Buttons are placed at both standard height and higher levels for riders.
Advantages of Pegasus Crossings
✅ Safer for horse riders – Allows them to cross without getting off.
✅ Controlled crossing – Reduces accidents involving horses.
✅ Dual access – Serves both pedestrians and equestrians.
Where Are Pegasus Crossings Used?
These crossings are common near horse-riding trails, rural areas, and equestrian centers.
7. Key Differences Between Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, and Pegasus Crossings
| Crossing Type | Who Can Use It? | Traffic Control Method | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra | Pedestrians | No lights, just road markings | Pedestrian priority |
| Pelican | Pedestrians | Traffic lights (button-activated) | Flashing amber phase |
| Puffin | Pedestrians | Smart sensors + traffic lights | Adjusts timing based on movement |
| Toucan | Pedestrians + Cyclists | Traffic lights | Wider space for cyclists |
| Pegasus | Pedestrians + Horse Riders | Traffic lights | Higher buttons for horse riders |
Each type of crossing is designed to improve road safety and traffic efficiency based on the location and users.
8. Why Are These Crossings Important?
Pedestrian crossings are crucial for road safety, helping to:
✔ Reduce pedestrian accidents
✔ Provide safe crossing points
✔ Manage traffic flow efficiently
✔ Ensure accessibility for all users
By using the right crossing, pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders can navigate roads safely while ensuring smooth traffic movement.
Understanding the differences between Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, and Pegasus crossings helps everyone stay safer on the roads. While Zebra crossings provide immediate pedestrian priority, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, and Pegasus crossings use traffic lights and smart systems to regulate movement efficiently.
Next time you cross the road, pay attention to the type of crossing you’re using and follow the rules to keep yourself and others safe!