The city of Hyattsville is using colorful art to improve pedestrian safety.

On Saturday, Baltimore-based Graham Projects will paint a series of colorful murals around the intersection of Church Place and Gallatin Street.

The asphalt art, which stretches from the sidewalk about the width of a car into the street, is designed to make the road feel narrower for drivers and focus their attention on the potential for foot traffic in the area.

Research from the Asphalt Art Initiative shows that these kinds of projects lead to a 50 percent decrease in the rate of crashes involving pedestrians, a 37 percent decrease in the rate of crashes that lead to injuries and a 17 percent decrease in overall crashes.

Drivers are asked to be careful when passing by the area on Saturday. Pyramid Atlantic Art Center will be holding a free art activity from 1 to 3 p.m. for families.

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