Federal authorities have yet to issue a mandate to Alexandria regarding rainbow crosswalks

In a series of recent events, rainbow crosswalks, symbols of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, have become a subject of debate in various cities across the United States.

The rainbow crosswalk near Orlando's Pulse nightclub, a memorial display commemorating the 49 people killed in a 2016 mass shooting, has been a point of contention. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered its removal, citing distractions from the core task of traffic safety for drivers and pedestrians. However, the local residents, moved by the symbolism, used chalk to recreate the memorial display after it was paved over.

Meanwhile, in Alexandria, Virginia, the city installed rainbow crosswalks at Royal and King streets during its seventh annual Pride celebration in June 2024. This initiative was part of a broader show of support for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The installation was supported by the city's LGBTQIA+ Task Force and coincided with the unveiling of Alexandria's first Pride-wrapped bus.

The city earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index and, in September 2024, the City Council declared Alexandria a "Safe Haven for the LGBTQ+ Community." The city's rainbow crosswalks were also a part of a larger federal initiative, "Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies," which asks governors to keep intersections free from distractions, including political messages, artwork, or anything else that detracts from driver and pedestrian safety.

Governors have 60 days to submit lists of problematic arterial road segments to federal highway officials. While Florida has taken action to remove its rainbow crosswalk, other jurisdictions, such as South Florida cities West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach, have also announced plans to remove theirs following the federal directive, Washington, D.C., and Arlington, however, have not taken action regarding their displays.

It's important to note that the authority responsible for identifying problematic locations on highway-like road sections in the United States within 60 days after July 1, 2024, is not explicitly stated in the search results. Typically, such authority would fall under a relevant federal or state transportation safety agency, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration, but no specific official mandate or deadline is mentioned in the provided sources.

In a related development, Acting Communications Director Justin Thompson made a statement to ALXnow on Friday, expressing support for the rainbow crosswalks in Alexandria. In contrast, Sean Duffy, the federal Transportation Secretary, has not specifically mentioned rainbow crosswalks in his letter or social media posts, but has expressed disapproval of them.

These developments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of public displays of support in promoting inclusivity and safety, and the tension between these goals and the need for clear and unobstructed roadways. The issue continues to be a topic of discussion and debate in cities and states across the country.