CROSSINGS THE ROAD IN SAFETY

You must understand the various types of pedestrian crossings. These include: zebra, toucan, pelican, puffin and pegasus crossings, along with safe havens and manned crossings i.e. children’s crossings under the control of a school crossing patrol, traffic warden or police officer. If you are aware of your local test route location and the possible routes, you will know what types of crossing you are likely to encounter. With professional motorcycle training you will learn what each one is, how they work and how you should negotiate them. The important thing for you to remember is that pedestrian crossings are for pedestrians to cross roads safely.

HOW TO ANTICIPATE

You should anticipate people’s actions and reduce speed, ready to stop safely if necessary. If there is a lot going on and your view is obstructed or you are distracted, you should reduce speed to be able to cope with the demands around you. Being in a built up and congested area may be overwhelming, so you will need to practice in these areas to become comfortable with varying situations. Be aware of street furniture blocking your view and parked vehicles obscuring a crossing.  Think about the amount of time an elderly and infirm pedestrian may require to cross the road. Failure to stop, if required to do so at pedestrian crossings will result in a test fail.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER - Pedestrian Crossings

• Always stop at a zebra crossing if someone is waiting to cross
• If approaching traffic light controlled crossings expect the lights to change, if someone is waiting
• Zebra crossing - without traffic lights
• Toucan - pedestrians and and cyclists
• Puffin - controlled by sensors
• Pelican - controlled by lights
• Pegasus crossings - pedestrians and mounted horse riders
• Safe havens - normally found near old peoples homes
• Controlled crossings - manned by traffic wardens and police officer