Toucan crossing lights: what they mean
Toucan crossing lights let pedestrians and cyclists cross together. Cyclists may ride across, and both groups must wait for their green signals.
What do toucan crossing lights mean?
Toucan crossings let pedestrians and cyclists share the crossing and cross at the same time. Cyclists may ride across, says rule 25.
Know your traffic signs explains that this type of signal sits across the road from those waiting. It has red and green pedestrian figures but only a green cycle symbol. When the red figure shows, press the button and wait for the green pedestrian and cycle signals.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- These signals guide people walking and cycling.
- A route only for pedal cycles.
- Cyclists should get off and walk.
Show answer
A. These signals guide people walking and cycling. Toucan crossings allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross together, and cyclists may ride across (The Highway Code, rule 25). Source: Know your traffic signs: pedestrian, cycle and equestrian crossings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 25, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 198, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 199, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At a toucan crossing, with this type of signal on the opposite side of the road from people waiting to cross.
What should you do?
As a driver, give way to anyone still crossing when your vehicle signal turns green. Do not enter the crossing unless you can clear it completely.
What do people get wrong?
Cyclists do not have to get off and walk across a toucan crossing. They may ride across when the crossing signals allow.
Common questions
Can cyclists ride across a toucan crossing?
Yes. Rule 25 says cyclists are permitted to ride across and share the crossing with pedestrians.
Do toucan crossings have flashing amber lights for drivers?
No. Rule 199 says the traffic-light sequence at a toucan crossing has no flashing amber phase.
Compare with
Pedestrian crossing lightsRed means wait; steady green means cross with care.
Shared route for cycles and pedestrians signCyclists and pedestrians share one path.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (pedestrian, cycle and equestrian crossings) and The Highway Code rules 25, 198 and 199.
- Know your traffic signs: pedestrian, cycle and equestrian crossings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 25, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 198, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 199, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.