Several cities around the world have adopted rainbow crossings, or sidewalk art, to celebrate and honor members of the LGBTQ community. The painted stripes within a downtown crosswalk are intended to match the rainbow flag utilized by gay people as a symbol of pride and diversity. These crosses, which have been called a “first-of-its-kind,” are designed to be safe for pedestrians and vehicles alike, though the design has not been fully tested. Learn more https://creativecrosswalks.co.uk/

The city of Madison unveiled a rainbow crosswalk Thursday at State Street and Capitol Square, reports KVOW. The project was funded by private donors and the city, which hired a Kennett Square company to install the thermoplastic markings. The company specializes in work for traffic and safety signs, but the rainbow crossing is a unique project for them, a company spokeswoman says.

From Sketch to Street: The Creative Process of Rainbow Crossing Design

In London, a rainbow-colored crossing has been installed in front of the New Wimbledon Theatre. The colours used are the updated ‘Progress Pride’ version of the original rainbow flag – which includes a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, alongside the blue, pink, and white that represents trans people.

The rainbow crosswalks have been met with mixed reactions from locals and the wider public. While some have welcomed them, others have argued that they are unsafe. A spokesman for the Access Association said that colourful crossings could pose hazards for disabled people, older people, and children and can cause hallucinations for those with psychosis.