Art Meets Safety
Art Meets Safety
Downtown Foley Completes Seven Vibrant Crosswalk Murals to Enhance Pedestrian Experience
FOLEY, AL – Downtown Foley is sporting a vibrant new look following the completion of seven colorful crosswalk murals designed to beautify the city while significantly improving pedestrian safety. Funded through a Main Street Alabama grant and completed throughout February and March, the "asphalt art" initiative transforms ordinary intersections into local landmarks, blending community joy with data-driven traffic calming measures.
Local artist Ragan Windsor was commissioned to bring the series to life. Windsor’s designs focus on a "colorful and eclectic" theme, intended to evoke smiles from residents and visitors alike.
The impact of the art was felt almost instantly. Windsor noted that during the installation, she received numerous comments from passersby stating the crosswalks made them "feel joy." In one particularly touching moment, a young girl wearing a butterfly dress saw a butterfly motif in one of the murals and began dancing in excitement.
While the murals provide a whimsical touch to the downtown landscape, their purpose is rooted in serious safety science. According to a recent study by Bloomberg Philanthropies, "asphalt art" can fundamentally change driver behavior. The study found that such installations result in a 50 percent decrease in crashes involving pedestrians or other vulnerable road users.
“At unsignalized intersections, there was a greater frequency of drivers immediately yielding to crossing pedestrians,” the Bloomberg study noted. By increasing the visibility of pedestrian spaces and creating a visual "alert" for motorists, the art encourages drivers to slow down and remain more aware of their surroundings.
The seven completed installations are strategically located throughout the downtown district to maximize both foot traffic safety and aesthetic impact:
W. Orange and S. Alston: Main street crosswalk.
N. Alston Ave. at W. Jessamine: West-to-east crosswalk.
W. Jessamine and N. Alston: North-to-south crosswalk.
W. Jessamine and Hwy 59: Alleyway crosswalk.
Laurel Ave. between Hwy 59 and the Post Office: Alleyway crosswalk.
W. Orange and W. Myrtle: Alleyway crosswalk.
W. Laurel and W. Jessamine: Two public parking entrance and exit crosswalks.
Beyond safety, these murals serve to create a more inclusive and connected community. Research shows that the process of installing urban art can bring local government and residents closer together, fostering a sense of pride in the shared public space.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the new murals on foot and experience firsthand how art is making the streets of Foley safer, one step at a time.