🚸 Community Identity Through Crosswalks

White Rock & Langley Lead the Way with TrafficPatterns®

Transforming crosswalks from simple safety devices into powerful canvases for culture, history, and community identity.

Featured Projects:

White Rock’s “Seaside Stroll” & Langley’s “Railroad Heritage”

Streets as Storytellers

Crosswalks are not just safety devices — they are some of the most public, visible, and symbolic parts of urban infrastructure. Every pedestrian uses them, every driver notices them, and every city depends on them. Yet, for decades, crosswalks have been treated as purely functional: painted lines that fade quickly and cost cities millions in repainting and maintenance.

That model is changing. Across British Columbia, municipalities are turning crosswalks into canvases for culture and history, while simultaneously solving durability and safety problems. At the heart of this shift is TrafficPatterns® preformed thermoplastic — a proven solution for creating crosswalks that are long-lasting, slip-resistant, visually powerful, and cost-effective.

Two standout examples showcase this transformation:

White Rock’s “Seaside Stroll”

Langley City’s “Railroad Heritage”

Connecting modern infrastructure to the city’s historic railways.

White Rock: Seaside Stroll

From Vision to Reality

White Rock’s Uptown district has long been overshadowed by the city’s iconic waterfront. City leaders wanted to create a landmark that would make Uptown feel equally vibrant and connected to the community’s identity. They commissioned Vancouver artist Amy (Yun Ru) Bao, known for her architectural eye and community-focused murals, to design a crosswalk mural that would carry the essence of the waterfront inland. The result, Seaside Stroll, features flowing lines and bold colours that mimic the rhythm of waves and the tones of White Rock’s sandy beaches. Positioned on Johnston Road, it greets thousands of pedestrians and drivers each day with a visual reminder of the seaside.

The challenge with painted or temporary murals is that they fade within months — especially under Canadian winters, road salt, and snowplows. White Rock needed a material that would maintain Amy’s artistry without compromising safety or budget.

How TrafficPatterns® Made It Possible

Design fidelity — preformed panels captured the fine detail of the mural
Slip resistance — ensuring pedestrians are safe in rain and snow
UV and traffic durability — resisting fading and rutting even under heavy vehicle load
Cost efficiency — lifespan of 5–7 years versus repainting every season

Installation Process

Crews heat-applied TrafficPatterns® panels, permanently bonding the mural into the asphalt.

Community Impact

Residents immediately embraced Seaside Stroll. Local businesses noted more foot traffic, while visitors reported that the crosswalk added a sense of place and character to Uptown. What might have been just another crossing became a cultural touchstone and conversation starter.

The finished ‘Seaside Stroll’ mural transforms a functional crossing into a safe, lasting, and culturally meaningful landmark.

Langley: Railroad Heritage

A City Rooted in Rail

Langley City’s identity is closely tied to its railway history. In the early 20th century, multiple rail lines connected the Fraser Valley to the rest of British Columbia, driving commerce and settlement. That history still shapes Langley’s culture today, with heritage groups and landmarks reminding residents of their railway past. In March 2025, the city unveiled a new decorative crosswalk at the entrance to Linwood Park. Installed by Square One Paving, the design was inspired by railroad tracks with tan rectangular panels mimicking wooden rail ties and white lines suggesting steel rails. The overall pattern ties directly to Langley’s heritage railway roots.

For Langley, the crosswalk wasn’t just decoration — it was a way to connect modern infrastructure with heritage storytelling. That meant the material had to do double duty:

Why TrafficPatterns® Was Key

Precision in design — capturing the geometry of ties and rails
Durability — handling both vehicle wear and seasonal weather
Safety — ensuring a skid-resistant crossing for pedestrians
Beautification — adding visual appeal to the gateway of Linwood Park

Design Elements

TrafficPatterns® delivered on all counts, allowing Langley to create a crosswalk that is safe, durable, and symbolic of local identity.

Community Impact

The crosswalk quickly became a talking point for residents and visitors. Families heading into Linwood Park paused to explain the design to children, linking the city’s present-day spaces with its past. The city positioned it as part of a broader beautification and safety initiative, blending utility with heritage branding.