Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Proclaiming October 15, 2023, as White Cane Safety Day in the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, on October 6, 1964, the United States Congress designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day; and
WHEREAS, blindness and severe visual impairment affect approximately 109,000 Wisconsin residents; and
WHEREAS, the majority of these person use travel aids, such as a white cane or a service animal to get around public streets and sidewalks and places of public accommodation; and
WHEREAS, these travel aids are universally recognized as symbols representing vision loss; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin's White Cane Law requires that motorists come to a full stop before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is using a white cane or service animal; and
WHEREAS, Greater awareness of the White Cane Law leads to safer, more attentive driving in general, enhancing the safety of all pedestrians, including children, elders and people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, communities have the opportunity to implement many proven features to enhance the safety of all pedestrians, including sidewalks, accessible pedestrian signals and curb ramps;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council do hereby proclaim October 15, 2023, as White Cane Safety Day in the City of Madison and also acknowledge the importance of pedestrian safety year-round.