[sustran] Re: Pelican Crossings!!

[Paul Barter]

A few words on terminology.

This is a useful debate on pedestrian facilities (and when or whether they
help).

But 'pelican crossing' and 'puffin crossing' are not familiar terms in most
places outside Britain. [I for one didn't understand them until looking them
up just now.]

So here are some wikipedia definitions (which may be wrong?):

"In the United Kingdom and parts of the
Commonwealth<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth>,
animal names are often used to distinguish several types of such crossings:

   - Zebra crossing <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_crossing>: wide
   longitudinal stripes on road, often with belisha
beacons<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisha_beacon>;
   pedestrians may cross at any time; drivers must give way to pedestrians who
   demonstrate intent to cross.
   - Pelican crossing <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelican_crossing>: traffic
   lights <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_light> for pedestrians and
   vehicles; button-operated.
   - Puffin crossing <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffin_crossing>:
   pedestrian lights on near side of road; button-operated with curb-side
   detector.
   - Toucan crossing <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toucan_crossing>: for
   bicycles <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle> as well as pedestrians."


As an Australian (in Singapore) I would use 'pedestrian activated traffic
lights' (or in casual conversation just 'pedestrian lights') for both
pelican and puffin crossings. The animal terms are obviously shorter. But
only useful if we all understand them. 'Zebra' seems common everywhere but
not the others.

All the best

Paul