It's appealing to the eyes, an opportunity for creativity and at the same time, will help to create a safer environment for local residents.
The City of Yorkton has approved a plan for new crosswalk designs at eight intersections in the city. The result of a partnership developed between the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and YBID (Yorkton Business Improvement District), the initiative is intended to both beautify and to heighten awareness of crosswalks.
"Yorkton is growing and traffic is increasing..." said Don Stein, Executive Director of the Godfrey Dean Gallery to Yorkton City Council Monday evening. "While the city is doing a good job and traffic is well managed, there are occasional clashes of driving cultures, pedestrian and traffic safety in all municipalities."
A project to use crosswalk art was proposed by YBID and it's hoped the new, catchy designs will draw attention to crossing areas for both drivers and pedestrians.
While it isn't found in other Saskatchewan cities and possibly not in Canada, crosswalk art is being used successfully internationally to respond to traffic and pedestrian safety issues says Stein. "Bold and colorful designs draw attention..."
To date three designs have been selected - piano keys, forks and knives and neckties. An additional sunflower design is also in the works. It's hoped they will be incorporated into the city by the end of September in time for Culture Days which takes place from September 28-30.
A test section has already been completed behind the Godfrey Dean and close examination shows the designs are practical and will stand up. The cost of the changes will be covered by the gallery however council's approval is required for all public art as it has a direct impact on public perception of the city.
New crosswalk designs will be implemented at the intersections of Broadway and Dalebrooke, Gladstone, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenues, as well as on Smith Street at 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenue intersections.
