The vibrant crosswalk honouring rock and roll legend Buddy Holly in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas, faces removal following a state-wide crackdown on roadway artwork deemed potentially distracting to drivers.
Political Directive Forces Cultural Removal
Lubbock City Council members confirmed this week they have no alternative but to dismantle the distinctive crosswalk featuring painted depictions of Holly's iconic black-rimmed glasses. The decision comes in response to Governor Greg Abbott's October directive requiring Texas cities to eliminate any symbols, flags, or markings conveying social or political messages from public roadways.
Council Member Christy Martinez-Garcia expressed disappointment, noting "It's such a tasteful cross section and people like it. But what do you do?" The crosswalk, initially installed in 2020, sits near the Buddy Holly Center museum dedicated to Lubbock's most celebrated native son.
Funding Threats Compel Compliance
David Bragg, Lubbock's interim division director of public works, revealed the city received correspondence from the Texas Department of Transportation containing "some harsh wording" that threatened potential loss of state or federal funding for road projects if such artwork remained.
"This was a very broad letter. I don't think it was intended to go after, say, the Buddy Holly glasses. Unfortunately it did," Bragg explained. Mayor Mark McBrayer confirmed the city lacks resources to challenge the decision through litigation, despite receiving numerous communications from residents opposing the removal.
National Pattern of Roadway Art Removal
The Lubbock situation mirrors similar actions across the United States. In October, Laredo removed a mural protesting the southern border wall with Mexico, while Florida officials dismantled a rainbow-coloured crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in August.
Governor Abbott's October 8th directive followed Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy's July letters to all U.S. governors stating intersections and crosswalks must remain free from distractions. "Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork," Duffy's statement emphasised.
The removal will occur during normal maintenance operations next year. Buddy Holly, born and raised in Lubbock, revolutionised rock music after witnessing Elvis Presley perform in 1955. His timeless hits include "That'll Be the Day," "Rave On," and "Peggy Sue."
Holly died tragically at age 22 in a February 3, 1959 plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, alongside Ritchie Valens and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson. Their collective passing became immortalised in Don McLean's 1971 anthem "American Pie" as "the day the music died."
