Abbott orders removal of Montrose rainbow crosswalks, calls it ‘distracting’, citing federal safety concerns
The decision follows a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging all states to comply with the “SAFE Roads” initiative — a federal guideline requiring crosswalks and road markings to remain free of political messaging or visual distractions.
A symbol of LGBTQ+ pride in the Montrose neighborhood is at the center of a growing controversy after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the removal of Houston’s rainbow-painted crosswalks, calling them “distracting” and in violation of federal roadway standards.
Community Landmark or Traffic Hazard?
The decision follows a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging all states to comply with the “SAFE Roads” initiative — a federal guideline requiring crosswalks and road markings to remain free of political messaging or visual distractions.
Governor Abbott responded by directing cities, including Houston, to remove non-standard road paint or risk losing federal transportation funding. The rainbow crosswalks in Montrose — painted in 2017 to honor the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ history — were among the first targeted for removal.
But many residents, including local leaders, are pushing back.
“There was an accident here where someone was killed. The community wanted a more visible crosswalk, and the rainbow symbolized who we are,” said Jack Valinski, President of the Montrose Super Neighborhood (#24).
The Roots of Rainbow Crosswalks in Montrose
Montrose is widely recognized as one of the earliest “gayborhoods” in the United States. Valinski shared how, decades ago, LGBTQ+ residents revitalized the area — investing in and restoring homes when the neighborhood had fallen into disrepair.
“Montrose, like other neighborhoods around the country, was run-down. The gay community came in, rebuilt homes, and gave the neighborhood a new life,” Valinski said.
The crosswalks were initially funded by Houston Pride and became a point of pride and visibility for the local LGBTQ+ community. They were quietly paved over last week during scheduled METRO roadwork — but when requests to repaint them resurfaced, Valinski says media attention brought the issue to the governor’s office.
“There were some stories on it, and I’m sure that’s when the governor saw it,” Valinski noted. “This was the first rainbow crosswalk in Texas. And, they just did the same thing in Florida.”
Safety Concerns Under Scrutiny
According to crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the intersection in question saw two crashes in the two years before the rainbow crosswalk was installed — and three between 2023 and 2024, with one occurring this year.
Critics argue this minimal increase in crashes doesn’t justify removal and question whether the issue is truly about safety.
KPRC 2 News Reporter Joy Addison reached out to TxDOT, METRO, and the governor’s office for clarification on which specific federal funds might be withheld for noncompliance — but as of this writing, none have responded.
What’s Next: Protest and Pride
Despite the setback, Montrose residents are mobilizing. Community members have signed up to speak at the next Houston City Council meeting, and a protest is already in the works.
“We’ll probably try to protest,” Valinski said. “We’re also looking at alternatives — maybe getting businesses to paint their parking lots in rainbow colors. This might unite us to have these rainbows everywhere.”
Thursday night’s Montrose Super Neighborhood meeting will focus on exploring those alternatives and strategies to keep LGBTQ+ pride visible throughout the community — even if not on the pavement.
