San Antonio, Texas, December 18, 2025
San Antonio has announced the removal of rainbow crosswalks from its Pride Cultural Heritage District due to state regulations. In a bid to honor and support the LGBTQ+ community, the city will replace them with rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments. While the city sought an exemption from the directive issued by Governor Greg Abbott, it was denied by the Texas Department of Transportation. As the removal deadline approaches, community reactions have been mixed, highlighting both support for the city’s new plan and disappointment over the crosswalks’ removal.
San Antonio Replaces Rainbow Crosswalks with Pride Sidewalks
City finds a way to honor community amid state regulations
San Antonio, Texas – The city of San Antonio has announced plans to remove the rainbow-colored crosswalks in its Pride Cultural Heritage District following a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In a bid to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community, the city will instead install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments to embrace and recognize pride.
State Directive and City’s Response
In October 2025, Governor Greg Abbott ordered TxDOT to eliminate “political ideologies” from Texas roadways, including non-standard markings like the rainbow crosswalks located at North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. The city submitted an exemption request, citing safety benefits and strong community support. However, TxDOT denied the request, stating the crosswalks did not meet federal standards. Consequently, San Antonio will remove the crosswalks by January 15, 2026, replacing them with standard markings. Councilwoman Sukh Kaur expressed support for the new plan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pride in the area. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones confirmed the city’s collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and other community members to find ways to celebrate pride in a compliant manner.
Background on the Crosswalks
The rainbow crosswalks were introduced in 2018 at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, becoming significant symbols of inclusivity and safety for the LGBTQ+ community. Funded by community donations, these crosswalks represented more than just a decorative feature; they were a statement of acceptance and celebration within San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District. Although the state directive presents challenges, the city remains committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through various alternative initiatives.
Community Reactions
Feedback from community leaders has been mixed regarding the removal of the crosswalks. While some appreciate the city’s plan for new sidewalk treatments, several community advocates wish the city had exerted more effort to challenge the state directive. Additionally, there is disappointment among members of the LGBTQ+ community regarding perceived limitations on the city’s approach, with many feeling a stronger stand should have been taken to protect the crosswalks.
Next Steps
As the city moves forward with the removal and standardization of the crosswalks, plans for the rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments are actively underway. This initiative reflects the city’s continued dedication to honoring the LGBTQ+ community while adhering to state regulations. Further announcements on these treatments and additional projects—such as potential murals and artwork—will come soon, as the city remains open to community input on celebrating pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is San Antonio removing the rainbow crosswalks?
San Antonio is removing the rainbow crosswalks to comply with a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which ordered the removal of “political ideologies” from Texas roadways, including non-standard markings like the rainbow crosswalks at North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. The city had requested an exemption, citing safety benefits and community support, but TxDOT denied the request, stating that the crosswalks did not comply with federal standards. Consequently, the city plans to remove the crosswalks by January 15, 2026, and replace them with standard markings. To honor the LGBTQ+ community, the city will install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments one block north and one block south of the intersection. Councilwoman Sukh Kaur expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pride in the area. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones acknowledged the directive and stated that the city is working with the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and the broader community to identify ways to celebrate pride in San Antonio.
What are the rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments?
The rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments are planned installations of rainbow-colored designs on the sidewalks one block north and one block south of the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. These treatments aim to continue recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in San Antonio, serving as a symbol of inclusivity and pride. The city is committed to implementing these treatments to honor the community, even as the rainbow crosswalks are removed to comply with state regulations.
When will the rainbow crosswalks be removed?
The city plans to remove the rainbow crosswalks by January 15, 2026, and replace them with standard markings. This action is in response to the Texas Department of Transportation’s directive to remove non-standard markings from Texas roadways, including the rainbow crosswalks at North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street. The city is taking this step to comply with state regulations while continuing to honor the LGBTQ+ community through alternative means, such as the planned rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments.
How has the community reacted to the removal of the crosswalks?
Community leaders have expressed disappointment over the removal of the crosswalks. James Poindexter, secretary and parade director for Pride San Antonio, stated that while the sidewalk proposal is appreciated, he wishes the city had fought harder to keep the crosswalks. Mayor Jones’ approach to avoid a larger conflict with the state has also been met with frustration by some in the LGBTQ+ community, who feel that the city should have taken a stronger stand to preserve the crosswalks. Despite these reactions, the city is moving forward with the removal and replacement of the crosswalks, aiming to comply with state regulations while continuing to honor the LGBTQ+ community through alternative means.
What other plans does the city have to support the LGBTQ+ community?
In addition to the planned rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments, the city is exploring other ways to support the LGBTQ+ community, such as potential future projects like murals and artwork. The city remains open to additional community feedback and suggestions for other ways to celebrate pride in San Antonio. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones stated that the city is working with the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and the broader community to identify ways to celebrate pride in San Antonio, ensuring that the community is seen, heard, and uplifted.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| State Directive | Governor Greg Abbott’s order for TxDOT to remove “political ideologies” from Texas roadways, including non-standard markings like the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District. |
| City’s Response | San Antonio’s exemption request was denied by TxDOT, leading the city to plan the removal of the crosswalks by January 15, 2026, and replace them with standard markings. The city will install rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments to honor the LGBTQ+ community. |
| Community Reactions | Community leaders expressed disappointment over the removal of the crosswalks, with some wishing the city had fought harder to keep them. Mayor Jones’ approach to avoid a larger conflict with the state has also been met with frustration by some in the LGBTQ+ community. |
| Next Steps | The city is moving forward with the removal and replacement of the crosswalks, aiming to comply with state regulations while continuing to honor the LGBTQ+ community through alternative means, such as the planned rainbow-colored sidewalk treatments and potential future projects like murals and artwork. |
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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.
