Decorative Crossing is a great way to support diversity, if it’s done right. Unfortunately, many of the rainbow crossings out there are poorly executed. This can lead to safety issues and may even make people who are not LGBTIQ feel unsafe. It’s important to follow guidelines when creating these crosswalks.
For example, the rainbow colors on a Madison (WI) crossing are not properly spaced or aligned. This causes them to appear squished together instead of being separated by the white stripes that would normally be on a pedestrian crossing. The squished appearance of the colored stripes also makes it harder to see where you’re walking, which could lead to people accidentally crossing into traffic.
Colors of Unity: The Art and Significance of Rainbow Crossing Design
The crossing was created by members of the city’s Community Pride Committee, who were awarded a grant from the TU/e Diversity Fund to implement the design. In addition to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, the rainbow crossing serves as a visual reminder of the city’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
In the US, rainbows are a popular design element for sidewalks and crosswalks in celebration of Pride Month or other events. But some cities have received pushback from the Federal Highway Administration for their colorful designs, which can be confusing to drivers and pedestrians. Some critics say that the colors can be a trigger for people with photosensitive epilepsy, which is triggered by flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns.
A rainbow crossing is in the works at Auckland’s newest tram stop on Karangahape Road. It will be based on the colours of the Progress Pride Flag, which puts more emphasis on inclusivity and progression than the original rainbow flag does.