San Antonio, October 12, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio city officials have decided not to remove the rainbow crosswalks immediately, following Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order for removal of non-standard road markings. While awaiting further guidance from state authorities, local leaders are seeking clarity on the implications of the directive on community symbols and public safety. The rainbow crosswalks, a significant cultural symbol in the LGBTQ+ district, were installed in 2018 and have been linked to increased pedestrian safety. Future actions will involve City Council discussions and possible legal challenges.
San Antonio
San Antonio city officials will not immediately remove the city’s rainbow crosswalks while awaiting further clarification from state authorities after Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enforce guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings that convey social, political, or ideological messages. The governor’s directive included a warning that cities not complying with removal orders within 30 days may face consequences such as denied state and federal funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.
What officials are doing now
San Antonio municipal leaders are seeking additional information from TxDOT to fully understand how the directive applies to existing decorative markings. The mayor has asked legal and transportation staff to review the letter from TxDOT and to determine the potential impacts on traffic operations, city funding, and public safety. City officials have indicated there are no immediate plans to alter the crosswalks, and any changes would require City Council input.
State guidance and enforcement
TxDOT’s letter to local authorities specified that decorative crosswalks, murals, or other messages are prohibited unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function. The state-level directive instructs TxDOT to enforce existing guidelines that limit non-standard surface markings on public roadways and to notify local jurisdictions to bring nonconforming features into compliance.
Local response and planned actions
Local elected officials are preparing for multiple outcomes. A city council member plans to seek an exemption for the rainbow crosswalks, citing local safety observations and community context, and the city is preparing for potential legal challenges regarding the governor’s directive. City leaders are also exploring alternative ways to express inclusivity if removal of the crosswalks becomes necessary, and community organizers have planned advocacy to preserve the crosswalks and related cultural symbols.
Background on the crosswalks and local significance
The rainbow crosswalks were installed in 2018 in the heart of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ district, funded by the city with an additional donation from Pride San Antonio. The pride intersection has been identified by community leaders as a cultural and historic milestone for the local LGBTQ+ community and is associated with events such as the Pride Bigger Than Texas festival. Local officials and community members note that the crosswalks have not led to reported traffic accidents and that some data from local observers suggest the markings have increased visibility and pedestrian safety in the area.
Wider context and related actions
The state directive arrived amid a nationwide safety initiative promoted by the U.S. Transportation Secretary aimed at removing political messages from roadways. Following the governor’s order, a transit authority in another Texas city has already announced the removal of a rainbow crosswalk in compliance. Activists and local leaders across the state have expressed frustration about the directive, viewing it as an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility and identity.
Next steps and potential consequences
San Antonio officials say they are awaiting clarification from TxDOT and will determine next steps after legal and policy review. Any removal or alteration of the crosswalks would involve the City Council and would likely prompt public hearings and possible litigation. The city also intends to consider alternative, non-roadway methods to express community values if the current markings must be removed to comply with state guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will San Antonio remove the rainbow crosswalks immediately?
City officials will not immediately remove the city’s rainbow crosswalks while awaiting further clarification from state authorities after Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Transportation to enforce guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings that convey social, political, or ideological messages.
What did Governor Abbott’s directive say about compliance and consequences?
Abbott’s directive included a warning that cities not complying with removal orders within 30 days may face consequences such as denied state and federal funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.
What did TxDOT say to local authorities?
TxDOT’s letter to local authorities specified that decorative crosswalks, murals, or other messages are prohibited unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function.
When were the rainbow crosswalks installed and how were they funded?
The rainbow crosswalks were installed in 2018 in the heart of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ district, with funding from both the city and a donation from Pride San Antonio.
Has any other agency removed a rainbow crosswalk following the order?
Following Abbott’s order, METRO in Houston has already announced the removal of a rainbow crosswalk in compliance.
Are there immediate plans to alter the crosswalks?
City officials indicated there are no immediate plans to alter the crosswalks, and changes would require City Council input.
Does this relate to a broader initiative?
The order follows a national safety initiative promoted by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy aimed at removing political messages from roadways.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local action | City officials will not immediately remove the rainbow crosswalks while awaiting further clarification from state authorities. |
| State directive | Governor ordered TxDOT to enforce guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings that convey social, political, or ideological messages. |
| Consequences for noncompliance | Cities not complying within 30 days may face denied state and federal funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT. |
| TxDOT guidance | Decorative crosswalks, murals, or other messages are prohibited unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function. |
| Installation and funding | Installed in 2018 with city funding and a donation from Pride San Antonio. |
| Related removals | METRO in Houston has announced removal of a rainbow crosswalk in compliance with the order. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Rainbow crosswalks installed in San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ district | Installed with city funding and a donation from Pride San Antonio |
| Date not specified | Governor directed TxDOT to enforce guidelines on non-standard surface markings | State directive with 30-day compliance warning |
| Date not specified (after directive) | METRO in Houston announced removal of a rainbow crosswalk | Removal announced in compliance with the order |
| Ongoing | San Antonio awaiting clarification and preparing legal and council review | City officials indicated no immediate plans to alter the crosswalks |
Simple visual statistics
Summary count of noted actions in available facts:
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governor Abbott Threatens Funding Over Political Ideologies on Texas Roads
Governor Greg Abbott Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in San Antonio
Rainbow Crosswalk in San Antonio Restored After Water Main Break
Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KENS5 News
- Google Search: San Antonio rainbow crosswalk
- News4SanAntonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio
- SA Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Express News
- Google News: San Antonio rainbow crosswalk
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
