The city of Aachen stands for openness to the world and tolerance: another symbol that underpins Aachen's basic attitude can now be seen in Adalbertstraße. A bright rainbow "crosswalk" welcomes all passers-by at the entrance to the city's largest shopping street. Coming from the glass cube, the rainbow immediately catches the eye.

The rainbow markings that have now been added are the result of a citizen's request in spring 2023. In the citizens' forum, the desire for this clear, colorful and globally used sign in public spaces was supported by politicians. The Aachen-Mitte district council then passed a resolution in December 2023 to install a permanent rainbow marker at the Adalbertstraße location.

Shortly after the asphalt film was installed by a specialist company this week, unknown persons have unfortunately already vandalized a small piece of the film on one corner. "The rainbow crosswalk - as in many other cities - stands for respect! The vast majority of our citizens support this out of conviction. I sense this in my numerous conversations and encounters. To those who think they have to set an example with vandalism, I would like to say that committed civil society is not impressed by this. Everyone is cordially invited to help shape our cosmopolitan and tolerant Aachen!" appeals Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen.

The rainbow banner has established itself as a symbol of the international lesbian and gay movement since the 1970s and is used today in many variations as a graphic marker, recognition symbol, flag and social commitment for anti-discrimination work for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transgender, intersex and queer people.