The sun is setting on rainbow crosswalks across Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest directive to remove “social, political and ideological” markings from roads or risk funding. Houston wasted no time removing the Montrose neighborhood rainbow crosswalk, but San Antonio, and now Austin, are pushing back with formal requests for exemption, hoping to preserve the identities of their community.
Politicians would have you believe this is about safety and ridding roads of distraction. Yet evidence doesn’t support these claims. In fact, street art has been shown to improve traffic conditions and community connection, and medical experts agree that affirming spaces lead to more positive health outcomes. Convincing people otherwise is deceitful and furthers us along a dangerous path of identity policing that ultimately harms Texans.
A 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies found significant traffic safety improvements in areas with asphalt art installations, including a 50% decrease in crashes involving pedestrians and a 17% decrease in total crashes. Other studies on murals and installations emphasize their role in placemaking, fostering community pride and promoting social trust…