Pedestrian Signage Banned

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August 10, 2010 by Rich Whittle | 1 Comment

According to a story in The Grand Rapids Press, young women shaking their pom-poms is a solid gold advertising strategy for a local precious metals buyer. But city officials say it’s against the rules — and creating a dangerous distraction for motorists.

Great Lakes Gold Rush hires women 18 and older to wear thigh-high shorts and T-shirts to promote its business. City Commission member Al Parent called it “tacky.”

City Planner Frank Wash said the firm is violating an ordinance, which prohibits “pedestrian” signage. New rules approved in April prevent people from wearing or holding signs near public roads and sidewalks to promote products and services.

Mike Rinard, district manager for Great Lakes Gold Rush, questioned the timing of the city’s enforcement. He received a citation in June, soon after the store began paying women to draw in customers instead of men.

“We didn’t have a single problem with it until we started hiring college girls,” Rinard said. “They’re tastefully dressed. They aren’t in anything risqué. It just seems like they’re pretty selective in their choices at times.”

“It’s simply not allowed,” Wash said. “It’s viewed as a traffic safety hazard.”

Should pedestrian signage be banned?