A Decorative Crossing is a pedestrian crossing that has the colours of the LGBT+ Pride Flag painted on it. This has become a popular way for cities to celebrate the LGBT+ community.
Usually the colours of a rainbow are used to signify gay pride, but they are also often seen in the context of transport and road safety. The idea of a rainbow striped pedestrian crossing was first introduced in Los Angeles (USA) in summer 2012. Since then, it has spread to other cities including Sydney, Australia. The crosswalks are designed to be easily recognized as zebra crossings by people using them for walking or biking, while still bringing in the colours of the Pride Flag.
Designing Inclusivity: The Creative Process of Rainbow Crossing Installation
One of the most prominent examples of a rainbow crossing was installed in Taylor Square in Sydney, Australia for a short time in 2013, timed with that year’s Mardi Gras parade. But the crossing was quickly covered over with asphalt by the NSW state government, which claimed it would be confusing to drivers and a safety hazard.
Another rainbow crossing is located in the City of Melbourne, Australia on Karangahape Road outside St Kevin’s Arcade. This crosswalk uses the colors of the LGBT+ Progress Pride Flag, which has been updated to include a black chevron for Black and Trans pride.
The new crosswalks are a part of the wider Karangahape Enhancement Project, which is focused on preserving the road’s unique character while creating a street environment that supports the local community and meets the needs of the area. Pip Ditzell, the City’s LGBTIQ community programs officer, said that the rainbow crossings are “a great symbol of the City’s pride in its LGBTQIA communities”.