Tipos de travessias: tucano, pégaso, papagaio-do-mar, pelicano, zebra

There are several types of crossings that you should know. For example, some of the most familiar ones include Zebra crossing, toucan crossing, and pelican crossing.

After you learn these pedestrian crossing types, you can easily cross roads according to the required rules and regulations. And in case you are a driver, you will be able to avoid any traffic violation at these crossings.

Different Types of Pedestrian Crossings/Crossing Types

Toucan Crossing: What is a Toucan Crossing

The meaning of Toucan crossing is hidden in its name, which is made up of 2 words: “Two” and “Can”. In this abbreviation, “two” means both pedestrians and cyclists, and “can” means allowed for crossing.

As a road walker, you are allowed to cross from toucan crossing when the “man” signal becomes green. But if you are a cyclist, then you have to wait for the green bicycle signal. Moreover, when man and bicycle lights turn red, you can’t cross the road.

Pegasus Crossing or Equestrian Crossings

Pegasus is a push button crossing system which is designed for both road walkers and horse riders. Mainly, it has two control panels, one for pedestrians and one for horse riders, which is mounted 2 meters from the road.

Commonly, this crossing has more width then other crossings to keep the horse away from you. You will also see a barrier of wood or metal fence near this pegasus crossing for extra protection.

Pelican Crossing

A pelican crossing is used for pedestrians as well as vehicle drivers who follow semáforos. Basically, you can activate it with the help of a button but the signal will be displayed on the other side of the road.

Many drivers are unaware of pelican crossing flashing amber! Actually, it informs you to be careful and indicates that there may be pedestrians who are still crossing the road. Moreover, at that time you can’t wave and flash your headlight to move road walkers.

Puffin Crossing

Puffin crossing works like pelican crossing but with a minor difference. The specification is that the pedestrian signal is represented on your side of the road.

Basically, it has two sensors PCD and PKD which are installed in traffic lights. PCD means Pedestrian Crossing Detector, which identifies your walking speed and sets the timer of a traffic signal. On the other hand, PKD stands for Pedestrian Kerb Detector which cancels the signal when you just press the button but do not cross the road.

Zebra Crossing: What is Zebra Crossing

Zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing which is represented by simple white and black lines. These lines tell you the exact path that you can use to cross the road. Basically, these lines are used for the safety of pedestrians, you should slow down or stop your vehicle near zebra crossing. 

School Crossing Sign

Basically, this is a school warning sign that tells you that the students are crossing the road. Sometimes, there is a word “SCHOOL” written on the road with different colors to inform the drivers about the exact place for the crossing of students.

Raised Crosswalk/Raised Intersection

Raised crosswalk helps pedestrians to cross the road with the help of built-in speed tables that track the speed of your vehicle. This crossing is separated with the help of colorful paint or any other paving material which gives it a height.

Basically, this height makes you visible to the driver from a distance. Moreover, due to this raised path cars slow down their speed and the rate of accidents have reduced 45% due to this edge.

Level Crossing Railway/What is Level Crossing?

Level crossing is a place where a road & railway track intersect at the same level. At this point, you will find no bridge or tunnel. It allows your cars, bikes and also pedestrians to cross directly over the train tracks.

You will see these types of crossings in rural and town areas. These markings are important for your security and train safety as well. Therefore, you always need to stop your vehicles whenever you see the gate is down and the train is near you. Following are two further types of level crossing.

• Passive Crossing (no active warning system)
• Active Crossing (automatic operating warning system)

Parallel Crossing/Tiger Crossing

A parallel crossing is also known as a tiger crossing. It is a special type of road crossing that allows you as pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. That means, you can walk and ride your bicycles at the same time. If you find white strips then you can use this zone to walk. 

However, If you want to ride your cycle, you will see special symbols (dashed white lines) on the road for this purpose. In case, if you drive a car, you have to stop in this location and you should allow walkers and cyclists to cross first. Generally, you will see parallel crossings near schools, parks and bike paths.

Courtesy Pedestrian Crossing

Courtesy pedestrian crossings are raised lines on the road. You can cross safely but you will not find any traffic lights, signals & legal rules. You are not forced by law to stop at courtesy crossing but you need to show responsibility and cross carefully. That’s why it’s called a “courtesy” crossing.

You will see these crossings in quiet areas such as small towns, parks, near shops & residential streets. According to Highway Code, courtesy crossings depend on mutual respect between you (as a driver) & pedestrians. So, it’s important for both to stay alert.

Staggered Pedestrian Crossing

You are not allowed to cross the whole busy road in one go at a staggered pedestrian crossing. First, you can cross only half of the road and then you need to wait on a small island in the middle.

After that, you can cross the second half of the road if you observe that you can pass safely. Hence, you should never try to cross the road in one straight line because these types of roads have heavy traffic, which can be dangerous for you.

Why is a Toucan Crossing Different From a Puffin Crossing?

Toucan and Puffin both are crossings on roads for pedestrians, but have some differences too. You can understand their different points in this table.

Toucan Vs Pelican vs Puffin Crossing

These all are pedestrian crossing lines on roads but each have some specification according to its placement and traffic lights. You will find all these differences in this table.

Pedestrian Crossing at Roundabout

At roundabouts, pedestrian crossing is designed in a circular shape for the safe crossing of roadwalkers. This crossing is dominated with the help of white lines. As a pedestrian, you have to be very careful, even when crossing lines.

Because there is a high volume of vehicles that are moving in circular shape that creates many blind spots for drivers. Due to these blind spots, the car driver can suddenly appear and hit you hard.

Zebra Crossing Rules For Cars

There are many rules that you have to follow as a car driver if you see a zebra crossing.

• You should slow down your car when you see a crossing line on the road even if there is no pedestrian. This is because a roadwalker can suddenly appear here and you may have to put brakes immediately.
• If you find a pedestrian crossing the road then stop behind the white line, created near the crossing.
• Do not park your vehicle at such places that are selected for pedestrians only, like zig zag lines and zebra crossing lines.
• When you observe a pedestrian or cyclist crossing then move your eyes from left to right to find, is there any pedestrian coming toward crossing lines.
• If the pedestrians are crossing the road don’t show urgency. For example, don’t blow your horn and roar your engine because it can result in fines and penalties.
• In case of rain and slippery roads you should show more patience and follow other bad weather precautions too.
• If you are at intersections and roundabouts be very careful and focus on crossing lines because drivers and pedestrians both get confused at this place.

What is Pedestrian Refuge Island?

Pedestrian refuge island which is also known as pedestrian refuge e pedestrian island is a raised area in the middle of the road. Actually, you can stop here when crossing a wide road. So, this step was taken for the safety of persons that can not cross the road in just one signal.

In the UK, this pedestrian refuge is brightened with the help of 300mm luz de farol that is placed on a rod of 5m length. Basically, this light helps you to identify this raised part even at night time.

Do Pedestrians Have Right of Way When Crossing the Road?

Yes, as pedestrians generally you have the right of way when you cross the road. But, you can only go first at marked crosswalks & intersections. Well, if you drive your car, you always need to stop and let pedestrians cross first.

However, if you are a pedestrian, you should still check your both sides (even if you have right of way). You must also make sure no cars are arriving before you walk across the road.

Always remember, you don’t have the right of way everywhere at all times. Because, It can vary according to the law of your country, city & even the type of road. So, you should always watch for signs around you. For example: you can confirm your right of way if you notice pedestrian priority or yield to pedestrians signs & traffic signals.

Do Pedestrian Crossings Have Cameras?

Yes, many pedestrian crossings have cameras. These cameras are installed to improve your safety and monitor your behavior as well. They help transport departments to check if your vehicles stop when people are crossing. You may not see cameras at every crossing, but you will spot cameras generally in busy areas, school zones & places with lots of foot traffic. Hence, you should always follow the rules because you might be watched by the police.

Palavras Finais

In summary, we can say that pedestrian crossings have many types and now you have sufficient knowledge about all of them. We recommend you always follow each traffic safety rule to make the road safer for you and other people. For all your inquiries related to traffic safety and parking products, you can talk to our team agora.