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Two Swans
In the bustling heart of downtown Orlando, a new form of street art is making its mark, blending beauty with a critical safety mission.
At the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, passersby are treated to captivating murals of two swans, a nod to the city’s affectionate nickname, the City Beautiful.
These aren’t just any street decorations; they’re the innovative creations of local artist Justin “SKIP” Skipper, the visionary behind A Pivotal Character Artworks and Design. Skipper’s murals are more than mere eye candy; they carry a profound purpose.
“Maybe paying attention hopefully to what they’re doing at the same time they’re driving.”
Justin Skipper
By incorporating these striking images into the urban landscape, Skipper aims to capture the attention of drivers, encouraging them to slow down and navigate the city’s streets with greater care and attention. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety, with artwork extending to painted curb extensions and crosswalks.
Laura Hardwicke, Orlando’s safe mobility manager, supports the project, highlighting its potential to make intersections and pedestrian pathways more visible to drivers, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring a safer environment for all. Through these artistic interventions, Orlando is setting a precedent for how cities can harmoniously blend aesthetic appeal with public safety.
“It draws your attention to the roadway,” Hardwicke said. “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.”
More Than Just Art
Orlando’s intersection mural project is a vivid example of art serving a purpose far beyond aesthetic pleasure. Approved by the city to enhance road safety, these colorful creations do more than decorate the streets; they play a critical role in capturing drivers’ attention, shaking them out of autopilot mode, and fostering a more engaged driving experience.
Evidence of their impact comes from a compelling 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which revealed a significant reduction in crash rates and injuries among pedestrians and vulnerable road users in areas adorned with asphalt art.
Artist Justin “SKIP” Skipper envisions these murals as a boon for all city-goers, from pedestrians to scooter enthusiasts, highlighting the universal value of safety and beauty intertwined. While some municipalities initially hesitated to embrace this innovative approach, updated guidelines now open the door for colored pavement, encouraging more cities to consider such creative solutions.
As Orlando commits to evaluating the success of these installations, the future of urban safety looks brighter and more colorful.
