WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews) — As “pride month” came to a close, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states telling them to remove potentially dangerous distractions from intersections and roadways.
Although left unsaid in the letter, Duffy made it clear in an X post that chief among those distractions are “rainbow crosswalks” which promote pro-LGBTQ+ messaging in cities large and small across the nation.
“Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks,” wrote Duffy.
“Political banners have no place on public roads,” said Duffy. “I’m reminding recipients of USDOT roadway funding that it’s limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. It’s that simple.”
Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.
Political banners have no place on public roads. I’m reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that it’s limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. It’s that simple. https://t.co/hA5FBsVFXO
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 1, 2025
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork. Today I am calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions,” Duffy told The Daily Signal, which broke the story after having obtained a copy of Duffy’s letter.
“Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball,” said Duffy. “The Transportation Department ‘stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate.’”
“Rainbow crosswalks” promoting LGBTQ+ “pride” have been the subject of controversy in recent years, with citizens being accused of felony crimes by law enforcement simply for leaving skid marks on the garish pedestrian intersection crossings.
Duffy’s letter urges the nation’s governors to – within 60 days – fall in line with the “Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies” or “SAFE ROADS” initiative which aims to “help improve safety and mobility, eliminate distractions, and keep people and goods moving throughout the United States.”
“The SAFE ROADS national initiative will focus on the non-freeway arterials within your State, including safety and operation at intersections and along segments, consistent and recognizable traffic control devices including crosswalk and intersection markings, and orderly use of the right-of-way that is kept free from distractions,” explained the transportation secretary.
“We are getting back to the basics – using data to guide decision-making and prioritize investments that reduce distraction while improving mobility and safety for all road users,” he declared.
