x
Breaking News
More () »

This colorful crosswalk in RiNo aims to promote pedestrian safety

A crosswalk of many colors in RiNo was created to make you stop and think, and hopefully be more careful.

KUSA — One crosswalk in Denver is hard to miss.

At the intersection of 26th Street and Larimer Street, a series of colored blocks guides the eye from one side of the street to the other.

“The colorful crosswalk we created is really a chance to slow people down a little bit,” explained the artist behind the creation, Tracy Weil.

Weil is the co-founder and creative director of the RiNo Art District. This week, the district is hosting the CRUSH WALLS Festival, which features dozens of local artists, and even a few international ones, who are creating murals throughout the neighborhood.

While visitors gaze up at all the work on walls, Weil’s piece will draw the eye down to the ground.

Credit: KUSA

“It slows cars down so they're able to see there is something happening there and watch out for pedestrians,” Weil said.

He said safety was the inspiration for the crosswalk. The art was funded by the RiNo (River North) Business Improvement District, as part of the organization's ongoing work to improve mobility and safety in the neighborhood.

According to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities have increased in recent years.

In 2015, CDOT reported 64 pedestrians were killed in crashes. In 2016, the number of pedestrian fatalities rose to 84. Last year, CDOT said 93 pedestrian died in crashes.

RELATED | Rainbow crosswalk decorates stretch of Broadway in time for Pride

Those numbers include crashes on city streets, as well as state highway and interstates.

Weil said the crosswalk artwork will help raise awareness, and he hopes, slow people down a little.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to activate and create safety through art,” he said.

To learn more about the CRUSH WALLS art festival happening in RiNo this week, visit the organization's website.

Before You Leave, Check This Out