Did you know? A Toucan crossing allows two modes of transport to legally share the same crossing ie 'two can' cross together 

As a Toucan crossing, the new set up will allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross between the pavement on the corner of Grandes Maison Road and the sea front at the same time. Cyclists won't need to dismount to use the crossing, as they are supposed to at other pedestrian crossings.

Pictured: The cycle path along the east coast of Guernsey is a shared space for pedestrians too. 

The east coast cycle track starts/ends on the seaward side of the junction where the new signals are, and the Committee for Environment and Infrastructure  which has paid a so-far undisclosed amount for the new crossing - were concerned that "both pedestrians and cyclists currently have to wait for a break in traffic on this very busy arterial route in order to be able to cross the road safely."

E&I said that from now on, "the installation of a Toucan crossing will regulate traffic flow in the area at times when pedestrians and cyclists wish to cross the road."

While pedestrians will simply press the button to use the Toucan crossing in the same way they would at any other signalised pedestrian crossing, at this junction they will share the space with cyclists. Meanwhile, cyclists will have a couple of options.

Cyclists travelling north from St Peter Port will be able to cycle across the Toucan crossing and then either stay on the road to head north east along Bulwer Avenue or north into Grandes Maisons Road or re-join Grandes Maisons Road through the landside shared path.

Pictured: The new cycle crossing at the new toucan crossing. 

Cyclists travelling from the Bridge area towards St. Peter Port along Grandes Maisons Road will be able to use the new crossing via a new dedicated right turn lane for bikes which is in the middle of the road in a newly created "central refuge". Cyclists using that route will have to give-way to oncoming traffic before riding onto the landside shared path that joins up with the new Toucan crossing.

Pictured: The States have come up with a detailed posted telling us how to use the new Toucan crossing, on foot or on two wheels. 

To make sure the new junction is easily accessible to everyone there are some new dropped kerbs and blister paving slabs on both sides of the road network. 'Thermoplastic rumble strips' have also been put at the corner from Bas Courtils onto Grandes Maisons Road to narrow the junction "and help reduce speeds of vehicles entering Grandes Maisons Road."

Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure said:

“The safety of all road users is our utmost priority and we remain fully committed to maintaining and improving our island road infrastructure. The new Toucan crossing provides an opportunity for pedestrians and cyclists to have improved access between the Bridge and Town in a much safer environment across one of the most heavily trafficked roads on the Island.”

Tom Le Pelley, Chairman of charity Living Streets Guernsey said:

“While initially Living Streets Guernsey had concerns about mixing bikers and pedestrians on the Toucan Crossing we are hopeful that both elements will use it for their mutual benefit and at minimal disruption to vehicular traffic.

“We look forward to a general acceptance that all road users should feel able to travel in safety to their chosen destinations.”

Pictured: Sam Field at the launch of a previous cycle safety initiative the GBG was involved with, called 'stay wider of the rider'.

Sam Field, Chairman of The Guernsey Bicycle Group said:

“The easier, safer and more convenient it is to walk and cycle, the more it becomes aviable mode of transport instead of using vehicles for every journey. This new Toucan crossing will make it easier and safer for all people using the Bulwer Avenue, Grandes Maison Road and the eastern pedestrian and cycle pathway. GBG looks forward to seeing the new Toucan crossing opening up and enabling more people to walk andcycle with confidence”.

Pictured top: The new junction.