After U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called rainbow crosswalks and other roadway decorations a dangerous ‘distraction’ writing in a letter to Governors:
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork.”
The city of Boynton Beach has painted over the rainbow crosswalk that has been in place at the intersection of East Ocean Boulevard and Southeast First Street since 2001. In a statement the city said that they
“removed the inclusionary-painted intersection on the 100 block of East Ocean Avenue to ensure full compliance with state and federal transportation mandates and address safety concerns.”
Despite there being no evidence that rainbow crosswalks contribute to accidents, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a transportation law this year stating that
“nonstandard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly contribute to traffic safety or control can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety.”
