Proposed rainbow crossing 'a safety risk'

A proposed rainbow crossing in support of Adelaide's gay and lesbian community is unlikely to go ahead because of pedestrian safety concerns.

But Adelaide City Council isn't giving up its quest to increase LGBT recognition, and will discuss other ideas, including an off-road rainbow walk, at a meeting on Tuesday.

"It's a really exciting opportunity for us to create a symbol for diversity and pride in our city," councillor Robert Simms told AAP.

"South Australia is a state of firsts. It was the first state in the nation to decriminalise homosexuality 40 years ago and this would be a great way for the City of Adelaide to celebrate that important milestone."

Transport officials have told the council a rainbow pedestrian crossing would pose a safety risk, based on research from a similar crossing in Sydney, which was removed.

"An authority must not be complicit in reducing the safety of a pedestrian crossing," the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure said in a statement.