Madison, WI Header
File #: 79765    Version: 1 Name: Proclaiming October 15, 2023, as White Cane Safety Day in the City of Madison.
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 9/8/2023 In control: Council Office
On agenda: 9/19/2023 Final action: 9/19/2023
Enactment date: 9/25/2023 Enactment #: RES-23-00568
Title: Proclaiming October 15, 2023, as White Cane Safety Day in the City of Madison.
Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, Jael Currie, Yannette Figueroa Cole, Juliana R. Bennett, Nikki Conklin, John W. Duncan, Tag Evers, Derek Field, MGR Govindarajan, Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Isadore Knox Jr., Amani Latimer Burris, Sabrina V. Madison, Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, Charles Myadze, Marsha A. Rummel, Kristen Slack, Bill Tishler, Michael E. Verveer, Regina M. Vidaver, Nasra Wehelie

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.