Encinitas 101 MainStreet announces first artistic crosswalk on Coast Highway 101

After two years of working with Encinitas City staff and City Council, a one-of-a-kind creative crosswalk has been placed in the heart of downtown, according to a news release. The artistic addition functions to improve walkability while bringing public art to Encinitas.

Located at G St and South Coast Highway 101, the crosswalk signifies the spirit and passion found in Encinitas and the Highway 101 coastal communities. The iconography of surfboard shapes is a nod to each surfer’s “magic board,” unique to them like their fingerprint. Juxtaposing this individualism is a unifying tidal wave laid out like the ocean’s fingerprint that connects all the surfboards. This symbolizes the unifying, collective, “party wave” everyone is riding and the love of all in protecting the environment while celebrating each other’s differences.

With the goal of enhancing safety for pedestrian traffic (with style!) across the South Coast Highway 101, the Encinitas 101 Mainstreet Association enlisted the design expertise of international artist Steffen Vala (www.vala.cc). Vala’s murals and street art reach from Copenhagen to Paris, Miami and San Diego and now this permanent installation in Encinitas. Site specific works, such as this one, inspire Vala to represent the energy at the location and the people living there. Fun fact: This is the longest decorative crosswalk of its kind and the first one across a historic highway.

This creative crosswalk is an extension of Encinitas 101 MainStreet’s continued efforts to bring public art to downtown. The intention was to improve walkability while enlivening a city street as engaging and a safe place for people. Visit encinitas101.com — Encinitas 101 MainStreet news release