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City received donation to continue crosswalks program; additional funding included in Mayor’s proposed budget
LOUISVILLE, KY. (May 1, 2023) – Following success of the Community Crosswalks pilot, which aims to improve traffic safety for pedestrians while supporting local public art, Mayor Craig Greenberg today announced that the city will continue the program, thanks in part to a private donor.
The program, a collaboration between Louisville Metro Government’s Department of Advanced Planning and Office of Arts and Creative Industries, is part of ongoing placemaking efforts to support Louisville’s rich culture through tactical interventions that enhance safety. The program utilizes unique, vibrant asphalt art designed by local artists to disrupt the monotony of the street at four intersections in downtown Louisville, with a goal of highlighting the crosswalk for drivers. These colorful designs improve the aesthetic of the streetscape and serve as an emerging tool for increasing pedestrian safety.
“By collaborating with local artists, these Community Crosswalks celebrate the diversity and cultural richness of the Louisville artistic community,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Each crosswalk design is a unique reflection of our distinctive city, adding vibrancy and color to the streets and striking an eye-catching balance between public art and public safety. The Community Crosswalks are an innovative and creative approach to addressing traffic safety for everyone in Louisville. Thank you to Beth Kuhn for donating money to keep this program going!”
According to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Safety Study, communities that have implemented similar asphalt art programs have seen a 50% decrease in the rate of crashes involving vulnerable road users and a 17% reduction in the total crash rate. Louisville’s new asphalt art can be seen along South Fourth Street at the intersections of West Chestnut Street, West Muhammad Ali Boulevard, and West Liberty Street.
“I am happy and grateful to support the expansion of the Community Crosswalks program,” Beth Kuhn said. “I appreciate the chance to remember our little white dog Hannah, who lost her life when we were struck by a pickup truck in a four-way stop intersection unmarked for safe pedestrian crossing. Perhaps the next time you slide through an intersection slightly distracted, you might come to a full stop and remember her too. Or perhaps you will simply make a joyful community crosswalk happen in your neighborhood, a wonderful opportunity that helps elevate AND protect people and their pets and makes the city of Louisville a better place all around.”
The Mayor also has allocated $50,000 in his proposed budget for the Community Crosswalks program. Neighborhood associations, community organizations, and businesses are encouraged to install colorful crosswalk art at meaningful intersections in neighborhoods across Louisville.
Details on applying for the program and eligible funding can be found at:
ABOUT THE OFFICE FOR ADVANCED PLANNING
The Office of Advanced Planning envisions, designs, and implements long-range planning solutions to create a vibrant community where people want to live, work, and innovate. Our strategic, long- and short-term planning initiatives give voice to neighbors, prepare the city for its future transportation needs, and work collaboratively across departments to plan for future growth, development, and investment across Louisville Metro. For more information:
ABOUT THE OFFICE FOR ARTS & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The Office of Arts and Creative Industries leads strategic initiatives to elevate the quality of life, economy, and authenticity of the city by supporting artists, creative businesses, and cultural nonprofits. As Metro’s Designated Local Arts Agency, the Office of Arts and Creative Industries operates grant-making programs, administers the city’s Public Art Program, and directs city-wide cultural programming in an effort to make the arts accessible to all citizens. For more information:
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