Visitors and locals can now spot a splash of color in downtown Key West following this summer’s state-mandated removal of the rainbow crosswalks at Duval and Petronia Streets.
Members of the city, the community, and the Key West Business Guild considered potential new additions to the affected area, which for years has and continues to mark locations of old and new spots including 801 Bourbon Bar, Saloon 1, Bourbon Street Pub, New Orleans House, and the nearby AquaPlex, Graffitti, In Touch, Red Shoe Island Bistro, and 22&Co., with even more historic businesses like Leather Master just a block or two away.
The most recent result is the installation of an assortment of painted bicycle racks concentrated in the area. An accompanying proclamation stated that Key West has long been celebrated as a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that proudly upholds the values of individuality, freedom of expression, and unity.
The small square mileage of the island means that alternative modes of transportation are often faster for covering shorter distances, especially within Old Town, and avoid the hassle and costs of finding parking spaces and hourly fees. And so, cyclists are a common sight most days of the year, with many guesthouses and hotels even offering bicycles to visitors or promoting relationships with local bike rental companies.
The relatively straightforward design and installation of these new colorful bike racks means that they can be set up fairly quickly and could prove to be a more widespread sight in time should the city choose to pursue its expansion.
Earlier this year, similar to other Florida cities, weeks of widely covered debate broke out among Key West residents in light of the state’s memo outlining the prohibition of pavement or surface art on the likes of travel lanes, intersections, sidewalks, or even crosswalks that did not meet the color, shape, or dimensions of state guidelines and that ultimately do not serve the purpose of traffic control. This led to the island’s rainbow crosswalks being covered and repainted in early September.
Cori Convertito, President of the Key West Business Guild, for one, is delighted to see the city embrace “visible symbols of inclusion,” such as these new bike racks and future plans to unveil a similarly themed arch in the nearby area.
“These small but powerful gestures reflect the welcoming spirit of our community,” she said.
“Being part of the committee consulting with the city on the development of an inclusive arch is an honor. It is a meaningful step forward in celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.”
