Diversity-themed traffic lights in Vienna

The new traffic light symbols were introduced in May 2015 as Vienna was getting ready for the Vienna Life Ball and Eurovision Song Contest. Three different pictograms of couples are shown on selected pedestrian traffic lights – in traditional red or green, depending on whether its "stop" or "walk" for the pedestrians. Due to events like the Life Ball, Song Contest or Rainbow Parade, international attention has focused on Vienna’s role as an open-minded city that respects human rights. The traffic light pictograms of straight and same-sex couples are to highlight the diversity of the city’s population. At the same time, the initiative is to increase traffic safety in Vienna by ensuring people pay more attention to traffic lights.