Stories of citizens making their own signs to help others
December 19, 2017
There's nothing we like more than coming across stories about signs in our daily routines. The 99% Invisible podcast episode "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" tells stories of citizens going out of their way to make signs that help others.
In the first story, a man named Richard Ankrom was inspired to create a freeway exit sign after missing his exit. Ankrom studied Los Angeles freeway guide signs, matched the color and dimensions, and followed the exact specifications. The sign was so well done that it passed the California Department of Transportation inspection and stayed up for nearly 9 years.
The second story tells of the Efficient Passenger Project in New York City. The group puts up signs in train stations telling passengers how to make the most efficient transfers to get around the city. Unlike the story in California, these signs are considered vandalism and are quickly taken down.
Like the people in these stories, we think signs are a great solution to many common problems.
You can listen to the podcast or read the article about these stories, and even more acts of public service, on the 99% Invisible website.
You don't have to go guerrilla to get a spec-perfect sign. We make MUTCD-compliant signs with the right colors, dimensions, and reflective sheeting.