White Cane Safety Day 2025

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October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, a nationally recognized day that supports and highlights the rights of those with visual impairments. Approximately one million Americans have blindness while another six million Americans suffer from vision loss. Within Madison and Wisconsin, thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals use a white cane for mobility and safe travel.

The City of Madison is a dedicated supporter of pedestrian safety and reminds everyone that the Wisconsin White Cane Law requires that people operating a vehicle must stop at least ten feet from a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog. Drivers should not honk their horn at a blind person as they may not know where the sound is coming from and may be startled by the noise.

“A truly safe street is one where everyone, no matter how they move, can travel with confidence and dignity,” said Kevin Luecke, Pedestrian & Bicycle Administrator. “Accessibility isn’t an add-on to street safety; it’s part of the foundation. Streets that serve all users are the streets that work best for our communities.”

To support pedestrian mobility for people with vision impairments, the City of Madison has been expanding the use of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). APS communicate information about the WALK and DON'T WALK intervals at signalized intersections in non-visual formats, including audible tones and vibrotactile surfaces. APS assists pedestrians who are blind or have low vision with crossing streets at signalized locations. Residents can request an accessible pedestrian signal by completing the form for an Audible Pedestrian Signal.

 

 

You can learn more about the history of White Cane Day by viewing this video and visiting National Today.

Let’s continue to make the City of Madison safer and more accessible for people with vision impairment!

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