ORLANDO, Fla. — New murals are showing up at intersections in downtown Orlando that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serve a purpose.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Orlando is adding art to intersections, curb extensions and crosswalks in the downtown area

  • Local artist SKIP is designing the artwork to draw attention to the pavement

  • Bloomberg Philanthropies study found asphalt art resulted in a 50% drop in the rate of crashes involving pedestrians

  • City of Orlando plans to study the effectiveness of the asphalt art before adding more

At Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, the intersection shows two swans, iconic symbols for the City Beautiful.

The designs are the brainchild of local artist Justin Skipper, who simply goes by SKIP.

“I don’t know if looking out at traffic while you’re driving is probably the most advisable thing to do but maybe the collective everyone slowing down a little bit and being able to appreciate what’s there will allow them all to be driving a little, maybe less recklessly,” said SKIP, who owns A Pivotal Character Artworks and Design, “Maybe paying attention hopefully to what they’re doing at the same time they’re driving.”

SKIP is also creating artwork for painted curb extensions and crosswalks.

The highly visible intersections, crossings, and curb extensions alert drivers to pedestrian locations.

That’s why the city of Orlando gave the go ahead to this project.

“It draws your attention to the roadway,” said Orlando Safe Mobility Manager Laura Hardwicke. “It takes us out of our sort of auto pilot world when we see something new and colorful on the roadway, and that increases what we call driver engagement. So, it just activates your brain a little differently and it makes you aware of your surroundings.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies conducted a study in 2022 that found asphalt art resulted in a 50% drop in the rate of crashes involving pedestrians. They also found a 37% decrease in the rate of crashes involving injuries.

“Everybody will be able to benefit,” said SKIP, “whether you’re walking or whether you’re using a bus downtown or one of the many scooter options.”

Some local cities and jurisdictions have been hesitant to install asphalt art, but updates late last year to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the guidelines most states and cities follow, permit colored pavement.

The city of Orlando plans to study the effectiveness of the asphalt art before adding more.