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Safety Sign Project - Reach For The Stars

  • This sign shows how unique traffic safety signs can be. The artists' design encourages us to dream big, but reminds us to not "space out" and pay attention.
  • The student artists took a field trip to the NYC DOT Sign Shop to learn about all that goes into making the street signs that direct motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians everyday.
  • An NYC DOT educator shows the youth artists the equipment and materials used to make signs.
  • At the end of their visit, the youth got to bring home a personalized sign for their school.

Project Description

Groundswell and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) designed the Traffic Safety Sign Residency Program to engage public school students in exploring traffic safety information through the creation of original street signs. Signs designed collaboratively by students at each of our partner schools are digitally rendered by Groundswell artists, fabricated by NYC DOT’s Sign Shop, and temporarily installed in local locations students identify as in need of traffic signage. Through this program, students learn how signs and symbols can work to communicate ideas and explore visual art techniques to develop graphic images. These signs then help increase safety awareness and prevent accidents in locations around each school community. The PS 149 sign caters to the young pedestrians attending the school and shows just how fun and creative traffic signs can be.  Their design combines a celebration of students' ambitions for the future with a reminder to stay grounded in the present when crossing the street.

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Project Info

Location: 93-11 34th Avenue Queens, NY 11372
Neighborhood: 
Jackson Heights


Program: 
Safety Sign Initiative


Theme: 
Livable Streets


Year: 
2013


Partner(s): 
PS 149
, 
New York City Department of Transportation


Lead Artist(s):
Chris Soria


Participants: 

 

4th grade students at PS 149
Medium: 
Printed Metal Sign


Dimensions: 30" Diameter

Fun Facts

Fun Fact
A 2010 study found that 11,000 pedestrians and 3,500 bicyclists were injured by motor vehicles in New York City. In such a bustling and active city there is no good time to "space out" while on the street.
Fun Fact
Even when pedestrians have the right of way, it is important that they look for oncoming traffic. In 2011, half of all pedestrians killed by a moving vehicle in a crosswalk had a green light to cross.
Suggested Activity
Think about areas in your neighborhood that may be in need of a traffic sign. Do people drive too fast near your school? Do people roll through stop signs by your house? Design a traffic safety sign that reflects traffic issues in your neighborhood.

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