React, Respect, Intersect

  • The central figure holds her hand up in a stop gesture. The image acts as a visual speedbump to oncoming traffic.
  • Each Groundswell mural is a truly collaborative project. Sketches from participants are combined into a final design by the Lead Artist.
  • Youth present their research to the community.
  • A young man takes a break from painting to say hello, as he stands on frame scaffolding attached to the building's façade.
  • Participants show off their appreciation certificates at the dedication ceremony.

Project Description

“React, Respect, Intersect” was designed to promote traffic safety at the location of a dangerous intersection in Kensington, Brooklyn. Teen artists worked with Yana Dimitrova and Adam Kidder to conduct studies on local traffic patterns and strategize ways to promote safety and respect amongst the many communities present in the neighborhood. This project was created in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Office of Safety Education and its Urban Art Program division. The team investigated what makes the intersection dangerous, tracked the speeds of passing cars, conducted a neighborhood survey, and studied local signage designed to control traffic. The mural highlights a large central figure of a young girl holding her hand up as if to say, “Stop!” With its bright colors and vibrant imagery, the mural is a visual speed bump that grabs the attention of passing drivers and reminds them what is at stake when they break traffic laws and endanger others.

Add new comment

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Project Info

Fun Facts

Research
According to Transportation Alternatives, New York has the highest number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths and injuries in the United States.
Fun Fact
The New York City Department of Transportation’s Urban Art Program has created over 85 art projects around New York City since its inception in October 2008.
Fun Fact
Special shapes are specifically assigned to certain types of signs so that travelers can recognize them quickly and react appropriately. The more sides the sign has, the more important the message.