More than 15,000 people have signed a petition to keep the rainbow pedestrian crossing at Taylor Square in Sydney's inner east.

The pedestrian crossing was changed from regulation zebra colours to a rainbow to celebrate Mardi Gras last month.

The New South Wales Roads Minister Duncan Gay wants the colours removed, saying it is a safety hazard.

The Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich disagrees.

"The roads minister has given no justifiable reason for removing a crossing that has been good for business, good for tourism, and good for the gay and lesbian community," he said.

"There have been no accidents over the past month, and I really think the roads minister just needs to get over his problem with rainbows."