Rainbow crossing#History

The rainbow flag or gay pride flag, is associated with the LGBTQ community activities around the world.

The idea to create rainbow crosswalks appears to have first emerged in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2008.{{Cite web|url=http://0755tz.net/news/yingshi/200806/6015.html|title="彩虹人行道"今日台北上路_深圳同志网|website=0755tz.net|access-date=2020-01-21}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024|fix-attempted=yes}}

The first permanent rainbow crosswalks were introduced in West Hollywood as part of the 2012 Gay Pride Month celebrations.{{cite web|last=Duvander|first=Martin|title=Rainbow Crosswalks: Why I, a Straight Man, Wanted West Hollywood to Be a Little Gayer|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-duvander/why-i-a-straight-man-gave-west-hollywood-its-rainbow-crosswalks_b_1982816.html|website=Huff Post Gay Voices|access-date=17 July 2013|date=18 October 2012|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023033818/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-duvander/why-i-a-straight-man-gave-west-hollywood-its-rainbow-crosswalks_b_1982816.html?|url-status=live}} This inspired similar crossings in Sydney, Australia, the following year,{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Clover|title=Item 3.1. Rainbow Crossing Oxford Street|url=http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/132182/130225_COUNCIL_ITEM31.pdf|website=Minute by the Mayor, 25 February 2013|publisher=City of Sydney|access-date=19 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201234/http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/132182/130225_COUNCIL_ITEM31.pdf|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}} as well as some temporary rainbow crossings in other cities such as Tel Aviv{{cite news|title=Tel Aviv Crosswalks Painted Rainbow Colors for Gay Pride Parade|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/05/15/tel-aviv-crosswalks-painted-rainbow-colors-for-gay-pride-parade-photos/|access-date=17 July 2013|newspaper=The Algemeiner|date=15 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518124433/http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/05/15/tel-aviv-crosswalks-painted-rainbow-colors-for-gay-pride-parade-photos/|archive-date=18 May 2012|url-status=live}} for a photo shoot to promote TYP: Ivri Lider and Johnny Goldstein, the act scheduled to headline the Gay Pride Parade's main concert. These photos, reminiscent of the Beatles Abbey Road album cover were posted on Facebook and the crosswalk was repainted white a few hours later.{{cite news|last=Lior|first=Ilan|title=Tel Aviv's rainbow crosswalk draws cheers, then jeers, online|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/tel-aviv-s-rainbow-crosswalk-draws-cheers-then-jeers-online-1.430884|access-date=17 July 2013|newspaper=Haaretz|date=16 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130144449/https://www.haaretz.com/2012-05-16/ty-article/tel-avivs-rainbow-crosswalk-draws-cheers-then-jeers-online/0000017f-e6bf-dc7e-adff-f6bfdf630000|archive-date=30 November 2022|url-status=live}}

Following some of the temporary and early permanent installations in 2012 and 2013, the symbolism of rainbow crossings has gained widespread adoption by cities around the world to celebrate the LGBT community with many having been made into permanent installations. With that they have also been subject to regular attacks and vandalism by people opposed to them.

The removal of the crossing inspired a rainbow chalk community protest started by Sydney local James Brechney.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWa76xrqhc |title=DIY Rainbow on 9 News, April 2013|date=15 April 2013|website=Youtube|publisher=9 Network|url-status=live|access-date=16 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611171137/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWa76xrqhc&sns=fb |archive-date=11 June 2013 }} People followed his lead by creating their own DIY rainbow crossings with chalk and sharing pictures on social media.{{cite web|last=Spillane|first=James|title=Social Media Lessons From the DIY Rainbow Movement|url=http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-lessons-from-the-diy-rainbow-movement-0470135|website=Business 2 Community|access-date=18 April 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000703/http://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-media-lessons-from-the-diy-rainbow-movement-0470135|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tovey|first=Ana|title=Social media helped link a Dubbo footpath to the global DIY Rainbow protest movement|url=https://open.abc.net.au/posts/hashtag-activism-23rz5aa|publisher=ABC|access-date=1 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810142948/https://open.abc.net.au/explore/47458|archive-date=10 August 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=DIY rainbow gallery|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/pellethepoet/galleries/72157633274328890/|newspaper=Flickr|access-date=1 May 2013|archive-date=24 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024185653/https://www.flickr.com/photos/pellethepoet/galleries/72157633274328890/|url-status=live}} The campaign also featured internet activism with the Facebook Page, DIY Rainbow.{{cite web|last=Young|first=Matt|title=DIY rainbow revolution goes global|date=14 April 2013|url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/australia/diy-rainbow-revolution-goes-global/story-e6frfq89-1226620231615|publisher=News.com.au|access-date=19 April 2013|archive-date=19 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419101841/http://www.news.com.au/travel/australia/diy-rainbow-revolution-goes-global/story-e6frfq89-1226620231615|url-status=dead}} Pictures of chalk rainbow crossings from many places around the world appeared on social media including Paris, Shanghai, Pretoria, Thailand and Cambodia.{{cite web|title=A world of DIY rainbows |url=http://www.samesame.com.au/features/9765/A-world-of-DIY-rainbows.htm |publisher=SameSame |access-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722162241/http://www.samesame.com.au/features/9765/A-world-of-DIY-rainbows.htm |archive-date=22 July 2013 }} Facebook would later credit DIY Rainbow as one of the top 10 pages of Facebook over its first 10 years.{{Cite web |last1=Brechney |first1=James |date=2014-02-04 |title=DIY Rainbow: How Australia Showed Its Support For Gay Rights With Chalk And Facebook |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/diy-rainbow-how-australia_b_4726782 |access-date=2020-01-16 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820025534/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/diy-rainbow-how-australia_b_4726782 |url-status=live }}

The DIY rainbow crossing movement was a protest movement that emerged in Sydney, Australia, in 2013. The campaign involved individuals creating rainbow pedestrian crossings in chalk to protest the removal of a temporary rainbow crossing from Oxford Street. The temporary crossing was created by the City of Sydney as part of the 35th-anniversary celebration of the Sydney Mardi Gras. When the crossing was to be removed, the community protests and internet activism campaign emerged. In 2013, New South Wales' first permanent rainbow crossing was approved and installed on Lackey St, Summer Hill. In 2019, a permanent rainbow crossing was unveiled in Taylor Square, on the corner of Bourke and Campbell streets.

Support for the rainbow crossing spread across Sydney, including local communities. On 14 April 2013, in response to the removal of the Rainbow Crossing in Oxford St, Darlinghurst,{{Cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/end-of-the-rainbow-as-workers-cover-crossing-20130410-2hm3o.html |last=Saulwick |first=Jacob |title=End of the rainbow as workers cover crossing |date=10 April 2013 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=16 March 2021 |archive-date=20 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220070841/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/end-of-the-rainbow-as-workers-cover-crossing-20130410-2hm3o.html |url-status=live }} parents and children from several local schools chalked a rainbow in the public square at Summer Hill, as part of the DIY Rainbow Crossing movement.

File:RainbowCrossing.jpg

On 15 April 2013, Ashfield Council workers removed the rainbow.{{cite web |url=http://www.ashfield.nsw.gov.au/ |title=Homepage |website=Ashfield Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024115933/http://www.ashfield.nsw.gov.au/ |archive-date=24 October 2009 |access-date=16 March 2021}} After media attention, council issued a statement labelling it a slip hazard and requested a permit be obtained before it could be re-chalked. The events were covered in The Daily Telegraph,{{Cite web | url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/no-gold-at-end-of-ashfield-councils-rainbow-as-they-wash-away-hazardous-diy-chanlk-rainbow/story-fngr8h4f-1226620889896 |last=Habib |first=Rashell |title =No gold at end of Ashfield council's rainbow as they wash away 'hazardous' DIY chalk rainbow |date = 15 April 2013 |website=Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421175216/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/no-gold-at-end-of-ashfield-councils-rainbow-as-they-wash-away-hazardous-diy-chanlk-rainbow/story-fngr8h4f-1226620889896 |archive-date=21 April 2013 |access-date=16 March 2021}} The Australian,{{cite web |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chalk-rainbow-crossings-washed-from-city-streets-by-councils/story-e6frg6n6-1226620872192 |last=Campion |first=Vikki |title=Chalk Rainbow Crossings Washed from City Streets by Councils |website=The Australian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415144037/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chalk-rainbow-crossings-washed-from-city-streets-by-councils/story-e6frg6n6-1226620872192 |archive-date=15 April 2013 |access-date=16 March 2021}} Perth Now,{{Cite web | url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/chalk-rainbow-crossings-washed-from-city-streets-by-councils-ng-083970d88d783c81c881999c927a6e61 |title = Chalk rainbow crossings washed from city streets by councils|first1=Vikki|last1=Campion|date = 15 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013081516/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/chalk-rainbow-crossings-washed-from-city-streets-by-councils-ng-083970d88d783c81c881999c927a6e61|archive-date=13 October 2022}} and on 2DAY FM.{{Cite web | url=http://www.2dayfm.com.au/newsfeed/rainbow-crossings-a-global-hit/ |title=Rainbow Crossings A Global Hit |date=15 April 2013 |website=2Day Newsfeed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419173850/http://www.2dayfm.com.au/newsfeed/rainbow-crossings-a-global-hit/ |archive-date=April 19, 2013}}

On 17 April 2013, it was rechalked by more than 100 people, including local councillor Alex Lofts. On 18 April, it was again removed, only to be re-chalked. Since that date it has remained chalked. A group of families and supporters continue to chalk the rainbow, especially after rain. This group has also ensured the area remains free of litter; they also hold occasional performances and arts-related celebrations at the site. Some local businesses have offered discounts and support for the rainbow. These businesses display a logo with a stylised image of the rainbow crossing on it. A Summer Hill Rainbow Crossing Facebook page was used to support the community protest.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/SummerHillRainbowCrossing |title=Summer Hill Rainbow Crossing |website=Facebook |access-date=16 March 2021 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108145618/https://www.facebook.com/SummerHillRainbowCrossing |url-status=live }}

At an Ashfield Council meeting on 28 May 2013, the council passed a motion that a permanent outline of a rainbow be painted in Summer Hill Square, with the understanding that this may be periodically 'chalked in' by children, families and community members.{{cite news|last=Sharples|first=Sarah|title=Summer Hill gets first permanent rainbow crossing in NSW|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/ashfield-approves-nsw-only-permanent-rainbow-crossing-in-summer-hill/story-fngr8h4f-1226653111287|access-date=13 June 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=29 May 2013}}

The original DIY rainbow crossing protest movement was generated by the debate over the rainbow crossing in Sydney, however DIY rainbow crossings continue to appear as protests in other settings including a crossing outside the Russian embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, in August 2013 in protest against new legislation in Russia.{{cite news|last=Ogelid |first=Linn |title=Regnbågskupp utanför ryska ambassaden|lang=sv |url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/stockholm/prideauktion-utanfor-ryska-ambassaden |access-date=19 August 2013 |newspaper=Svt Nyheter |date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114215201/https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/stockholm/prideauktion-utanfor-ryska-ambassaden |archive-date=14 January 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Russia: Anti-Gay Row 'Invented' By Western Media|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1130071/russia-anti-gay-row-invented-by-western-media|access-date=19 August 2013|date=18 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819045441/https://news.sky.com/story/1130071/russia-anti-gay-row-invented-by-western-media|archive-date=19 August 2013}}

In 2011, the United States Federal Highway Administration advised that "crosswalk art is actually contrary to the goal of increased safety and most likely could be a contributing factor to a false sense of security for both motorists and pedestrians".{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-will-let-crosswalk-art-that-violates-federal-rules/article_f878de6d-0c3c-5320-afd6-26d8099f6933.html|title=St. Louis will let crosswalk art that violates federal rules fade away|last=Taketa|first=Kristen|website=stltoday.com|date=6 February 2016 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-29}}

In early September 2019, the city council of Ames, Iowa, cut the ribbon on a rainbow crosswalk. Subsequently, the Federal Highway Administration sent them a letter "requesting" that it be removed. The city council ignored the letter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/07/us/crosswalks-ames-iowa-safety.html|title=The Government Says Rainbow Crosswalks Could Be Unsafe. Are They Really?|last=Rueb|first=Emily S.|date=2019-10-07|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-01-29|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515170558/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/07/us/crosswalks-ames-iowa-safety.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Mullen |first=Kylee |title=Inclusive crosswalks unveiled in downtown Ames |url=https://www.amestrib.com/news/20190903/inclusive-crosswalks-unveiled-in-downtown-ames |access-date=2020-01-29 |website=The Ames Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102132652/https://www.amestrib.com/news/20190903/inclusive-crosswalks-unveiled-in-downtown-ames |url-status=dead }} Since then, the 11th edition of the US Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices discourages bright colors from use within a crosswalk but no longer prohibits them, provided that the colors are not standard for use in other traffic control applications. However, symbols in addition to the rainbow may not be permissible depending on the application.{{Cite web |title=Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices — 11th Edition Issued December 2023 |url= https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/mutcd11theditionhl.pdf}}

In the United Kingdom, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has complained about the risk of rainbow crossings for people with visual impairments, who may rely on the contrast between traditional black and white stripes in order to cross the road safely.{{cite news |title=Confusing colourful crossings are not safe, RNIB tells Mayor of London |url=https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/colourful-crossings-not-safe/ |access-date=25 June 2023 |publisher=RNIB |date=28 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Harry |title=Blind charity and disability expert criticise colourful crossings launched by Sadiq Khan |url=https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/blind-charity-and-disability-expert-criticise-colourful-crossings-launched-by-sadiq-khan |access-date=25 June 2023 |work=Camden New Journal |date=23 September 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625181402/https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/blind-charity-and-disability-expert-criticise-colourful-crossings-launched-by-sadiq-khan |url-status=live }} Other disability groups have said that people with dementia or learning disabilities may not recognise that they are road crossings, or that the colours may be overwhelming for autistic people or guide dogs.{{cite news |last1=O'Dell |first1=Liam |title=Will colourful pedestrian crossings make our streets safer? |url=https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/colourful-pedestrian-crossings/ |access-date=25 June 2023 |work=BBC Science Focus |date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820025530/https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/colourful-pedestrian-crossings |url-status=live }} In response to an open letter by the RNIB, the Alzheimer's Society and Scope, London mayor Sadiq Khan temporarily paused the crossings.

Rainbow crossings around the world have been regular targets of homophobic attacks and vandalism such as defacement.{{cite web|url=https://www.intomore.com/impact/rainbow-crosswalks-around-the-world-are-being-vandalized-during-lgbtq-pride-month/|title=Rainbow Crosswalks Around the World Are Being Vandalized During LGBTQ Pride Month|first1=Nico|last1=Lang|date=29 June 2018|access-date=16 May 2023|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517030150/https://www.intomore.com/impact/rainbow-crosswalks-around-the-world-are-being-vandalized-during-lgbtq-pride-month/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/06/rainbow-crosswalks-vandalized-4-different-cities-recently/|title=Rainbow crosswalks were vandalized in 4 different cities recently|first1=Alex|last1=Bollinger|date=28 June 2018|access-date=16 May 2023}}

In early June 2019, the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, unveiled a rainbow crosswalk on the historic U.S. Route 66.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailylobo.com/article/2019/06/crosswalk|title=Albuquerque unveils rainbow crosswalk|first1=Lauren|last1=McDonald|website=New Mexico Daily Lobo|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129121433/https://www.dailylobo.com/article/2019/06/crosswalk|url-status=live}} Just a few days later, a motorcycle gang caused a significant amount of damage to the $30,000 crossing with their motorcycles. Even though at least a dozen bikers were shown on video, only one man, a Trump supporter named Anthony Morgan, was arrested for the crime.{{Cite web|url=https://thegailygrind.com/2019/06/12/trump-supporter-arrested-for-vandalizing-rainbow-crosswalk-with-motorcycle/|title=Trump Supporter Arrested For Allegedly Vandalizing Rainbow Crosswalk With Motorcycle|author=The Gaily Grind Staff|date=2019-06-12|website=The Gaily Grind|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129123227/https://thegailygrind.com/2019/06/12/trump-supporter-arrested-for-vandalizing-rainbow-crosswalk-with-motorcycle/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1325260/motorcycle-crew-vandalizes-30000-rainbow-crosswalk.html|title=Motorcycle crew vandalizes $30,000 rainbow crosswalk|first1=Matthew|last1=Reisen|first2=Jessica|last2=Dyer|website=www.abqjournal.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608213031/https://www.abqjournal.com/1325260/motorcycle-crew-vandalizes-30000-rainbow-crosswalk.html|archive-date=8 June 2019|url-status=dead}}

In August 2022, police in Atlanta arrested a suspect that was said to have defaced the city's rainbow crosswalk by painting swastikas over it.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/19/us/atlanta-rainbow-crosswalk-vandalism/index.html|title=Police arrest suspect after swastikas found painted on Atlanta's Rainbow Crosswalks|first1=Devon M|last1=Sayers|first2=Alta|last2=Spells|date=19 August 2022|access-date=15 May 2023|website=CNN|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515173150/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/19/us/atlanta-rainbow-crosswalk-vandalism/index.html|url-status=live}}

In October 2022, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated a potential hate crime after a severed pig's head was found on a rainbow crosswalk outside a school near Spruce Grove, Alberta.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/severed-pig-s-head-on-rainbow-crosswalk-at-alberta-school-prompts-rcmp-investigation-1.6622738|title=Severed pig's head on rainbow crosswalk at Alberta school prompts RCMP investigation|first1=Katarina|last1=Szulc|date=20 October 2022|access-date=15 May 2023|website=CBC|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515173748/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/severed-pig-s-head-on-rainbow-crosswalk-at-alberta-school-prompts-rcmp-investigation-1.6622738|url-status=live}}

In February 2024, a rainbow crosswalk in Redmond, Washington, was defaced by vandals with slurs using spraypaint.{{cite web|url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/redmond-pride-crosswalk-vandalism/281-b4600876-7380-4fcc-a055-e87efc18d4fc|title='Truly disgusting': Rainbow crosswalk in Redmond vandalized|date=20 February 2024|website=King 5|access-date=20 August 2024|archive-date=20 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820024513/https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/redmond-pride-crosswalk-vandalism/281-b4600876-7380-4fcc-a055-e87efc18d4fc|url-status=live}}

In March 2024, a rainbow crossing in Gisborne, New Zealand, was painted white by members of Destiny Church. They attempted to paint it again after it was restored and five were arrested.{{cite web |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/27/rainbow-crossing-in-gisborne-reinstated-after-destiny-protest/ |title=Five arrested at protest at Gisborne's rainbow crossing |date=27 March 2024 |work=1 News |access-date=29 March 2024 |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820025555/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/03/27/rainbow-crossing-in-gisborne-reinstated-after-destiny-protest/ |url-status=live }} A rainbow crossing on Karangahape Road in Auckland was subsequently defaced in the same manner, but Destiny Church denied involvement.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/512928/police-treat-painting-over-of-auckland-s-k-road-rainbow-crossing-as-hate-crime |title=Police treat painting over of Auckland's K' Road rainbow crossing as hate crime |date=28 March 2024 |work=RNZ |access-date=29 March 2024 |archive-date=31 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331161811/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/512928/police-treat-painting-over-of-auckland-s-k-road-rainbow-crossing-as-hate-crime |url-status=live }}

In June 2024, a video showed a pickup truck doing burnouts on a newly installed rainbow crossing in Huntington, West Virginia.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Isaac |date=2024-06-13 |title=Video shows pick-up truck driver doing burnout on Pride crosswalk in Huntington |url=https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/cabell-county-wv/video-shows-pick-up-truck-driver-doing-burnout-on-pride-crosswalk-in-huntington/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=WOWK 13 News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=BENTON |first=DAVE |date=2024-06-13 |title=Huntington police investigating after rainbow crosswalk is vandalized |url=https://wchstv.com/news/local/community-showa-resilience-after-huntington-rainbow-crosswalk-is-vandalized |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=WCHS |language=en |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820025622/https://wchstv.com/news/local/community-showa-resilience-after-huntington-rainbow-crosswalk-is-vandalized |url-status=live }}

The list below does not include all rainbow crossings in existence and is limited to those of notability, such as the first installation in a country, first installation in the largest cities of a state of large countries or otherwise notable beyond its mere existence.

On February 22, 2024, a by-law was passed by referendum in the Canadian town of Westlock, Alberta, which prohibits the painting of crosswalks with non-standard colors, or the flying of flags on municipal property that represent "political, social, or religious movements or commercial entities". The referendum was proposed by petition, with its supporters claiming that it was meant to promote governmental "neutrality" on social issues. The bill's passage was criticized by Westlock's mayor and other local politicians, who believed that it was specifically meant to restrict LGBT pride commemorations by the municipal government. A rainbow crossing had been painted in Westlock for the first time in 2023, but was subsequently removed to comply with the neutrality bill.{{cite web |title=Alberta town’s residents vote in favour of bylaw that will see Pride crosswalk be removed |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10312756/westlock-alberta-flag-crosswalk-vote/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=Global News |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820025649/https://globalnews.ca/news/10312756/westlock-alberta-flag-crosswalk-vote/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Westlock, Alta., to get rid of rainbow crosswalk after town votes on neutrality bylaw |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/westlock-alta-to-get-rid-of-rainbow-crosswalk-after-town-votes-on-neutrality-bylaw-1.7120498 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=CBC News |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428070949/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/westlock-alta-to-get-rid-of-rainbow-crosswalk-after-town-votes-on-neutrality-bylaw-1.7120498 |url-status=live }} Later that year, a similar by-law inspired by the Wastlock ban was passed in Barrhead, Alberta, while groups have advocated for similar laws in other Canadian municipalities.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-26 |title=Why some Canadian towns are seeing pushes to keep crosswalks white, let certain flags fly |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/canada-neutrality-crosswalks-flags-westlock-barrhead-alberta-1.7439687 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=CBC News}}

In 2025, the US state of Florida officially prohibited new installations of all aesthetic and non-standard crosswalk markings on the state highway system, which includes rainbow crosswalks.{{Cite web |title=FDOT Florida Design Manual 127.2(15) |url= https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/roadway/fdm/2025/2025fdm127caf.pdf?sfvrsn=36fbc9ea_1 |website=Florida Department of Transportation |access-date=10 May 2025}}

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• LGBT social movements
• Stolperstein - memorials to victims of the holocaust which are laid into pavement
• Zebra crossing

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{{LGBTQ|culture}}