What is a toucan crossing?
What is a toucan crossing?
A Toucan crossing is a type of traffic-light-controlled crossing designed for both pedestrians and cyclists.
The easiest way to remember it for your theory test is “two can cross” — pedestrians and cyclists can use the crossing together.
Unlike at many ordinary pedestrian crossings, cyclists can ride across a Toucan crossing rather than having to dismount and walk.
How to recognise a toucan crossing
You can usually recognise a Toucan crossing by the pedestrian and cycle symbols displayed on the crossing signals.
Pedestrians and cyclists use a push-button control to request the crossing.
When the traffic lights turn red, vehicles must stop at the stop line, allowing people using the crossing to cross safely.
Toucan crossings are commonly found where a cycle route or shared-use path crosses a busy road. Because they are intended for cyclists as well as pedestrians, they are generally wider than crossings designed only for people on foot. As a driver, look carefully for cyclists approaching the crossing because they may arrive considerably faster than a pedestrian.
For the theory test, remember that a Toucan crossing does not have the flashing amber phase associated with a Pelican crossing. Modern Toucan crossings use sensors to help manage the crossing period and detect people using the crossing. As a driver, you simply obey the traffic signals: red means stop, and you must not proceed until the signals allow you to do so and it is safe.
A common theory-test question asks which type of crossing allows cyclists and pedestrians to cross together. The answer is the Toucan crossing. A good memory aid is: Toucan = “two can” cross — pedestrians and cyclists.