Five years after Sydney’s rainbow crossing became both a tourist attraction and a symbol of LGBTQ pride, the city is bringing it back. It will be painted at Taylor Square, near Oxford Street. Sydney’s previous rainbow crossing was installed for Mardi Gras in 2013, and was quickly covered up under asphalt by the NSW government, who claimed it was unsafe. Source https://creativecrosswalks.co.uk/

A rainbow crossing has also recently been painted on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, USA. The design, inspired by the colors of the rainbow flag, is intended to signal inclusiveness all year round. However, the rainbow-colored pavement markings have caused some controversy in the US. The Access Association, which promotes accessible designs, has warned that the rainbow-colored crossings pose risks to disabled people, older adults, and children, and may trigger hallucinations for those who suffer from psychosis.

Rainbow Roadways: Infusing Color and Pride into Urban Design

More than four decades ago, the rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker to be a visible sign of acceptance for LGBTIQ people. Today, it’s an international icon of equality and a symbol for diversity and inclusion. In fact, it’s so well known that even buses have a rainbow on them, such as this one from the bus company TheBus in Oahu, Hawaii.

But while rainbow crossings have been embraced by many communities worldwide, they’ve not met with universal approval. In fact, there are some who believe that they should be removed, including the UK’s Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, who has a long history of expressing anti-LGBT views. She’s also argued that the crossings could cause migraines and trigger epilepsy in passersby.