Photo Gallery: Signs That Say So Much

Some signage is especially useful, thought-provoking, creative, fun or simply odd

By Melissa Stanton

Sensitive or Stereotyping?

A crosswalk sign that says Elderly on it, as seen at a dock in Miami Beach

Photo by Melissa Stanton

It's good to acknowledge that people in this harborside development in Miami Beach often cross the road. But why label the population and purpose of the crosswalk as being for the "elderly"? A crosswalk is useful for all pedestrians.

Way to Go!

Tourist information sign in Newport, Vermont, Signs that Say So Much

Photo provided by AARP Vermont

Wayfinding signage (like that displayed in Newport, Vermont) helps residents and visitors find their way. These types of signs are informative and a placemaking must.

Where to Go

Public Restrooms sign, Loveland, Colorado, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

One of the most common questions asked by any visitor is "Where's the bathoom?" or "Where's the nearest bathroom?" Signage in downtown Loveland, Colorado, provides several answers.

Really Gotta Go

Sign indicating the location of a rest room.

Photo by Ken Reinhardt

Tourists visiting the ruins of Pompei know exactly where to go regardless of what language they speak

Keep a Distance

Bicycle clearance warning sign, College Park, Maryland, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

Who knew there's a law about the minimum distance a driver needs to keep when passing a bicyclist? This sign was posted in the window of a Maryland bicycle shop.

Seriously, Keep a Distance

Photo by Terry Elder

Don't even put a toe in the water. The illustration on this sign help makes the message clear to non-readers and non-English speakers, too.

Seriously, Heed the Warning

A hazard sign warning bicyclists in Portland, Oregon, of streetcar tracks in a roadway

Photo by Brett VA

This eye-catching image clearly shows bicyclists in Portland, Oregon, what can happen if their wheels enter the roadway's streetcar tracks.

Deep Thoughts

Quotation on Art, University of Maine, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

Among the quotations displayed from a hallway ceiling in a University of Maine arts center is this throught-provoking statement. Learn more about the connection between art and livability

Do What?!

Miami escalator warning, Signs that Say So Much.

Photo by Melissa Stanton

Lift their skirts!? An unexpected instruction on a sign adjacent to a Miami hotel escalator requires careful reading.

Who Needs to Stop?

Parking garage warning signs, Signs that say so much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

Who's supposed to stop the pedestrians? Are the pedestrians supposed to stop? Do the drivers stop? This sign in a supermarket garage is well-intentioned but confusing.

Time to Wake Up, Again

School bus, sleeping children, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Solon Snider/Start School Later

A variation of this signage is placed on the back window of school buses in many districts, especially those where schools start so early in the morning, and require such long bus rides, that sleep-deprived students regularly conk out.

On a Roll

Photo by Melissa Stanton

The new symbol for handicap parking and access depicts an active wheelchair user who's on the move — unlike the seated figure that appears in the traditional iconography (inset).

A Bathroom Stall for All

Inclusive Restroom sign, Frick Environmental Center, Pittsburgh, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

The signage outside this single-user restroom at the Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh indicates that the facility is usable by all — regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

Fowl Friendly

Duck Ramp, fountain, Washington, D.C., Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

The fountain at the National Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., provides a way for web-footed visitors to enjoy the water.

Write it Down!

Union Market, Messages, sign board, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

Public chalkboards and listening posts allow and encourage visitors (of all ages) to share their thoughts. The Union Market in Washington, D.C., features several of these chalkboards, each with a unique question or prompt.

What's Your Answer?

History trivia game, Conflict Kitchen, Signs that Say So Much

Photo by Melissa Stanton

A history trivia game entertains visitors to the Conflict Kitchen, a dining kiosk in Pittsburgh's Schenley Park Plaza, as they wait to order or receive their food.