The Iconic Sound of Australian Street Crossings: More Than Just a Beep
The familiar “pew-pew” followed by that rhythmic “duk-duk-duk” has become such an integral part of daily life that we barely notice it anymore. That is, until you travel overseas and suddenly find yourself standing at a crossing, waiting for an audio cue that never comes.
Recently, browsing through online discussions about our pedestrian crossing sounds brought back memories of my recent trip to Europe. Standing at various intersections in London, I felt surprisingly lost without that reassuring audio feedback. It’s fascinating how something so mundane can become such a crucial part of our urban experience.
What really catches my attention is how this simple sound has transcended its original purpose. Did you know it features in Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”? And before that, it appeared in tracks by Orbital and Basement Jaxx. Our humble crossing signal has become something of a musical celebrity, sampled by artists worldwide.
But beyond its unexpected musical career, this crossing signal represents something far more important. It’s a prime example of inclusive design that benefits everyone. Originally designed for vision-impaired pedestrians, the system adapts its volume to ambient noise levels and provides clear, distinct sounds that help all pedestrians navigate safely. The “pew” indicates the start of crossing time, while the “duk-duk-duk” helps maintain direction - brilliant in its simplicity.
Standing at the intersection near Flinders Street Station last week, I watched a tourist couple instinctively respond to the signal without even looking at the lights. That’s effective design in action. Meanwhile, my teenage daughter pointed out how the broken crossing near our local train station has developed its own unique rhythm - though perhaps not quite the “sick beats” some online commenters have celebrated at other locations.
The contrast between our system and those in other countries is stark. While some European nations have their own audio signals, many rely solely on visual cues. It’s a reminder that good design shouldn’t just be about function - it should be about making spaces accessible for everyone.
The success of our crossing signal design has led to its adoption in various cities worldwide. Walking through Dublin and hearing that familiar sound feels like bumping into an old friend overseas. It’s a small but significant example of Australian innovation making cities more livable globally.
This seemingly simple piece of urban infrastructure represents something bigger - the idea that inclusive design makes life better for everyone, not just those it was originally designed to help. Whether you’re vision-impaired, distracted by your phone (though you shouldn’t be), or just appreciate the reassurance of an audio cue, these crossing signals serve us all.
Maybe next time you’re waiting at a crossing, take a moment to appreciate this small but significant piece of Australian design. Just try not to get the “Bad Guy” chorus stuck in your head while you’re waiting to cross.