Pedestrian crossing facts for kids
A pedestrian crossing (also called a crosswalk) is a special part of a road where people can safely cross from one side to the other. It's usually marked with painted lines on the road. These crossings are super important for keeping pedestrians safe, especially in busy towns and cities. They help everyone – drivers and walkers – share the road in an organized way.
Pedestrian crossings can be controlled by traffic lights or other devices. The rules for using them can be different depending on the country you are in. Some crossings even have sound signals to help people cross safely.
Contents
Why Do We Need Pedestrian Crossings?
In towns and cities, many cars, bikes, and people are all using the same roads. Without special rules, it would be very dangerous for people to cross. Pedestrian crossings are part of a safety system. This system helps people cross roads when it's safe. It also helps traffic keep moving smoothly.
Where Are Crossings Found?
You will often find marked pedestrian crossings at intersections, which are places where two or more roads meet. They can also be in other spots on busy roads. Crossings are often put in places where lots of people need to cross. This includes shopping areas or near schools. This is especially true where many children regularly cross the street.
How to Use Crossings Safely
There are rules for using pedestrian crossings to make sure everyone stays safe. For example, in some places, a driver must wait until a pedestrian is more than halfway across the crosswalk before they can drive forward. These rules help prevent accidents and keep both walkers and drivers safe.
Images for kids
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Police notice explaining the operation of the first pedestrian crossing signal, London 1868
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A woman at a crossing in Carmona, Philippines
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Pedestrian refuges can be incorporated into priority junctions, like this one in Saltney Ferry, United Kingdom
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Courtesy crossing in Havelock North, New Zealand
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An aerial view of a pedestrian scramble, such as this one in Tokyo, Japan
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A rainbow pedestrian crossing in Chicago, United States
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Pedestrian crossing sign used in art, University of Bremen campus, Germany.
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A sign warning motorists to yield to those crossing the crosswalk
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Three-state signal sequence with textual messages typical for the United States; words may be replaced by symbols
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Posted sign in line with the convention on road sign, for informing of a pedestrian crossing
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Crossing lamp/s used at a signalised intersection in Sydney, Australia
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A pedestrian call button
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Count down traffic light
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A pedestrian crossing with a Vienna Convention standard sign indicating to motorists that they must give priority to pedestrians using it
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Portable pedestrian crossing signal at a road work site
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Tactile paving next to a crosswalk
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An accessible pedestrian signal which is used in the US and Canada
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Relief symbol on a pushbutton of a traffic light in Germany
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Crosswalk with overhead lighting, and internally illuminated overhead crosswalk signs in Germany
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A railway pedestrian crossing in Jyväskylä, Finland
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Crosswalk at intersection, in Thun, Switzerland
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Crosswalk at Zurich tramway Central station
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Crosswalk before a roundabout, Switzerland
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See also
In Spanish: Paso de peatones para niños
