What's Happening in Bellevue, WA…

Four crosswalks have been designed by artists and have been installed throughout the city of Bellevue. This is a pilot program about which the city is keen to hear feedback.

The project is called Creative Crosswalks and was carried out as a partnership of the Community Development and Transportation Departments. The goal of the project was to determine whether crosswalks that are painted are easier to maintain, can improve safety, and will be enjoyed by the community.

Funds from the Community Development Arts and Culture program and a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the United States Department of Transportation paid for the artistic crosswalks.

As part of the Creative Crosswalks project, the city of Bellevue called for artists’ submissions and allowed no more than six colors per design. Following a competitive selection process, Puget Sound artists Kenji Stoll and Nikita Ares were each commissioned to create two crosswalk designs.

The Creative Crosswalks pilot program is evaluating whether artistic crosswalk designs can improve intersection safety. The city wants to hear from residents who have gone past these locations to determine if the crosswalks increase awareness and visibility, or alternatively are found to be distracting. Flyer printing can be used to inform residents of such pilot programs and the request for feedback.

Residents are being asked to complete a short survey by the end of November.