A new crosswalk in Medford, Massachusetts, is making drivers look twice. It is an optical illusion, and students hope it is also a solution to speeding near their school.
The 3D style crosswalk was painted on the entrance to Brooks Elementary during April vacation. The city gave it the green light after two students from the school spent over a year pushing for it.
Ten-year-old Isa partnered with another student named Eric, who has since moved out of the district. He told her about his brother, who was fortunately OK after being hit by a car while walking near the school.
"That was really scary to find out. I was like, 'We gotta go with this. It's just gotta happen,'" Isa said.
The pair discovered the optical illusion was already being used in other parts of the world to slow drivers down. They worked together to bring it to Medford as part of a program at their school, the Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility, aimed at getting students more involved in their community.
"I think it's great this is getting a lot of attention, because hopefully, it will inspire more students to get involved," teacher and program advisor Michael Coates said.
The city commissioned artist Nate Swain to paint the design and they plan to do the same at three more schools in Medford.
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"For a few hundred dollars, you really have a great safety measure," Medford Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke said. "I'm really proud of these kids."
Isa is already on to her next project, which involves helping the environment. She is also trying to get biodegradable sporks at the school, and she said she is not stopping at the crosswalk.
"I still play with my friends at recess and I have sleepovers," Isa said. "I make sure I get those in, too, before I do all my saving the world."
