Sydney’s rainbow crossing returns with pride

Sydney’s iconic rainbow crossing at Taylor Square in the heart of Sydney’s LGBTIQ district is back, just in time for the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras!

The pedestrian crossing is the first in the world to be both the shape and colours of a rainbow, as it curves around the intersection of Bourke and Campbell streets.

“By installing this beautiful crossing as a symbol of pride in our city’s diversity, Sydney joins other cities around the world, including in Hollywood, San Francisco, Paris and most recently in Wellington, New Zealand,” says City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“San Francisco Artist Gilbert Baker’s rainbow flag has been a symbol of those first bloody struggles of the gay rights movement. The 78ers in Australia put up with brutal treatment during the first Sydney Mardi Gras, and the rainbow flag has come to represent the LGBTIQ community’s struggles for liberation, survival and equality.

“I know residents and visitors will love this colourful symbol of the City’s longstanding support for our LGBTIQ community.”

The crossing has been upgraded to improve safety for people walking and cycling in the area. The rainbow crossing is at pavement level, so people walking, cycling, pushing prams or handling wheelchairs won’t have to step down on to the road to cross.

New traffic signal arrangements at the crossing will give priority to people making the 10,000 walking and cycling trips through the intersection every week. The green light for motor vehicles will be on demand, triggered by sensors when vehicles approach the intersection.

The rainbow paint and traffic lights have been installed on an initial six-month trial basis and will be subject to an independent safety review.

Photos by Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney. When you’re sharing your Rainbow Crossing photos, don’t forget the hashtag #SydneyRainbowCrossing!