New Interview Highlights How Sidewalk Murals Can Connect, Calm, and Empower - One Street at a Time
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / July 24, 2025 / Chalk Riot, the nationally recognized mural art company founded by Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, is using its growing visibility-including a new in-depth interview titled "In Conversation with Chalk Riot: Art, Action, and the Courage to Begin"-to raise awareness about the powerful role of pavement art in community safety, neighborhood identity, and artful expression.
As cities nationwide grapple with rising pedestrian deaths, Chalk Riot's work offers a vibrant, tangible solution. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2023-the highest number in four decades. "It is inaccurate to believe that murals alone can save lives," says Ritter-Soronen. "But when a street becomes more colorful, people slow down. They notice. They engage. Art can slowly shift behavior into a more present and aware state of being, and that can improve outcomes."
Chalk Riot's painted ground murals are more than aesthetic enhancements. These site-specific installations are designed with input from residents, urban planners, and traffic engineers. Studies have shown that street art can reduce driving speeds by up to 17%, especially in residential zones and school corridors, according to a 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies' Asphalt Art Initiative (Streetsblog USA). "We create murals meant to calm traffic and protect pedestrians and active mobility users," Ritter-Soronen explains. "But they also need to be colorful and rooted in a sense of place. Beauty and safety go hand-in-hand."
The newly released interview traces Chalk Riot's origin from spontaneous chalk sketches in a St. Louis parking lot to more than 300 murals in 6 countries and over a dozen states. Yet even as the scope expands, the mission remains deeply local. "The sidewalk is a canvas we all share," says Ritter-Soronen. "It's where people wait for the bus, journey to school, or meet up with friends. We believe public art should live in those everyday places, where it is welcome and invited."
What makes Chalk Riot particularly unique is its people-powered approach. The team composed almost entirely of women and non-binary artists leads chalk art training programs for youth groups, peacebuilders, and community organizers. "We offer free and low-cost chalk training to people doing good in their neighborhoods," Ritter-Soronen notes. "We believe in sharing the tools. And in this current political climate, it's more important than ever to reimagine what's possible together and create alongside each other, in person."
A Call to Pavement: How You Can Help Make Streets Safer
Chalk Riot is encouraging communities everywhere to view sidewalks and streets not just as infrastructure-but as potential canvases for connection. Their message? You don't need permission to start small.
Pick up chalk and add joy to your own block, stoop, driveway, library, school or public park.
Organize a local chalking day to transform crosswalks or park paths with safe, temporary visuals.
Partner with schools, elders, and local leaders to tell neighborhood stories through sidewalk art.
Advocate for traffic calming through creative means, from intersection murals to painted curb bump-outs.
"We started with chalk and a few hours of free time, with no idea this would become a career," says Ritter-Soronen. "You don't need a five-year plan, or even a one-month plan! You just need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to share what you care about in public."
As pedestrian safety, public space, and community identity become more urgent conversations across the country, Chalk Riot offers a hopeful, hands-on model for turning ordinary pavement into something extraordinary.
To learn more about Chalk Riot, access the full interview here.
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SOURCE: Chalk Riot
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire