Lexington, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Despite safety concerns raised by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy regarding the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Lexington, city officials, including Mayor Linda Gorton, reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the crosswalk. Installed in 2017, the crosswalk symbolizes community pride. Local officials assert that it complies with safety standards and has not been linked to accidents. The ongoing SAFE ROADS program aims to enhance roadway safety, while studies have shown that artistic crosswalks can reduce crash rates significantly.
Lexington officials, including Mayor Linda Gorton, have confirmed their commitment to maintaining the rainbow crosswalk located in downtown Lexington, despite the recent safety concerns raised by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. According to the city officials, there are no plans to cover or remove the crosswalk, which has become a symbol of community pride since its initial installation for Pride month in 2017.
Secretary Duffy issued a report expressing that the rainbow design could be a potential “distraction” for drivers, prompting his concerns regarding roadway safety. The report aligns with an ongoing federal initiative called the SAFE ROADS program, which has garnered attention due to rising roadway fatalities. It suggests that over half of the roadway fatalities in 2023 occurred on non-freeway or expressway arterials, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures.
In response to Duffy’s report, local officials have stated that the rainbow crosswalk was created with careful planning to adhere to traffic safety standards. They maintain that it meets all federal requirements for crosswalks, and therefore does not compromise safety. According to Scottie Ellis, Communications Director for Governor Andy Beshear, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has not identified any safety issues associated with the rainbow crosswalk.
The SAFE ROADS program encourages collaboration between state transportation departments and local officials to identify roadways with distractions, with a directive to report back to the Federal Highway Administration within a designated time frame. This alignes with a growing trend in roadway safety efforts aimed at reducing fatalities through community engagement and art installations.
Past directives from the Federal Highway Administration flagged concerns regarding rainbow crosswalks. However, these directives were later rescinded, allowing such installations to take place. A study conducted in 2022 by Bloomberg Philanthropies showed that engaging in asphalt art, including crosswalks similar to Lexington’s, resulted in an average crash rate decrease of 17.3% at sites where the art was installed. Furthermore, the study indicated significant reductions in pedestrian and cyclist crashes by 49.6%, as well as a drop in injury crashes by 36.5% after such artworks were introduced.
Similar rainbow crosswalk initiatives across the United States have faced opposition. Notably, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has been critical of crosswalk art, which reflects a wider national dialogue about the inclusion of symbolism in public spaces. The criticism has included a notable case involving the decision to repaint the rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where local officials criticized state actions as callous towards the community’s history and values.
Despite external pressures and concerns, the backing from Lexington’s city officials and the support of Governor Beshear emphasizes the community’s dedication to artistic expression and inclusiveness in public spaces. City officials believe that such initiatives are essential in highlighting community pride, while also ensuring pedestrian safety.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of the rainbow crosswalk in Lexington?
Lexington officials, including Mayor Linda Gorton, have stated that there are no plans to cover or remove the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Lexington.
What safety concerns were raised regarding the crosswalk?
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy labeled the rainbow design as a potential “distraction” for drivers. However, local officials maintain that the crosswalk meets all federal safety requirements.
What is the SAFE ROADS program?
The SAFE ROADS program was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation to enhance roadway safety and address rising fatalities, particularly on non-freeway roads.
How has the community responded to the crosswalk?
The community, including Governor Andy Beshear, supports the crosswalk as a symbol of pride, emphasizing its importance in expressing local values and inclusiveness.
What do studies say about artistic crosswalks and road safety?
A 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies found that asphalt art lowered crash rates by 17.3% at sites where it was installed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Officials Commit to Keeping Rainbow Crosswalk
Lexington to Retain Rainbow Crosswalks Amid Federal Review
Lexington Pride Festival to Feature Inaugural Parade
Additional Resources
- LEX 18 News
- Wikipedia: Rainbow Crosswalk
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Rainbow Crosswalk
- WKYT News
- Google Scholar: Rainbow Crosswalk Public Safety
- Lexington Herald-Leader
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artistic Intervention
- WTVQ News
- Google News: SAFE ROADS Program
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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