Sydney‘s rainbow crossing has been restored, six years after the original on Oxford Street was tarred over in the dead of night by the Barry O’Farrell‘s Liberal State Government in 2013.
[jwplayer 2vos7s9m]
The location of the crossing was moved to the intersection between Bourke and Campbell Streets, on the other side of Taylor Square – which should address the “safety concerns” cited by the then-Roads Minister Duncan Gay as the reason for tearing it up. That decision at the time sparked community condemnation, with 16,000 people signing a petition to keep it, and others creating their own DIY chalk crossings all around the world.
The original was on a busy thoroughfare, which led road experts to dub it unsafe, as people would lay down on it to take photos, take too long to cross, selfies, etc. etc. However an independent safety audit found it had not caused any accidents or injuries.
The new, hopefully more permanent, one has reopened just in time for Mardi Gras, which starts on February 15, with the annual parade scheduled for March 2. It has been created with the support of the State Government.
The crossing is believed to be the first of its kind to curve around like an actual rainbow does, which is neat – take that San Francisco and Wellington.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore described the rainbow crossing as a “symbol of pride in our city’s diversity“: “I know residents and visitors will love this colourful symbol of the City’s longstanding support for our LGBTIQ community.”
The rainbow crossing is officially open! #SydneyRainbowCrossing pic.twitter.com/0uAaNWZjwg
— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) February 8, 2019
The founder of the DIY Rainbow movement James Brechney said:
The new rainbow crossing is a hugely symbolic statement of support for the LGBTIQ community after a tumultuous time with the marriage equality plebiscite. This beautiful gesture brings a smile to everyone who walks across it.
The new crossing has been installed as part of a six-month trial, subject to an independent safety review. It’s been created with safety in mind, including with traffic lights for cars triggered by censors; and a raised design, the crossing at pavement level so people don’t have to step down.
Spotted at new #SydneyRainbowCrossing pic.twitter.com/Mir6s5mFWZ
— Fiona Campbell (@FionaBike) February 7, 2019
