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Janesville proclaims October Pedestrian Safety Month, designates Oct. 15 White Cane Safety Day
Summary
On Sept. 22 the Janesville Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-2375 proclaiming October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month and Oct. 15 as White Cane Safety Day; council members and local advocates cited the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and requested more audible pedestrian signals.
The Janesville Common Council on Sept. 22 unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-2375 recognizing October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month and Oct. 15 as White Cane Safety Day in Janesville.
Council members said the proclamation is intended to raise awareness of pedestrian rights and accessible infrastructure for people with vision loss and other mobility needs.
"With Janesville being the home of the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired ... I saw students there doing their orientation and mobility and witnessing individuals nearly get hit, because people weren't following or aware of the laws," Council member Cass said, urging the city to treat the proclamation as a reminder to drivers and pedestrians. The resolution text, read aloud at the meeting, cites Wisconsin's white cane law and calls for investments in sidewalks, curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, traffic calming and accessible design.
Council members and a representative of the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired noted requests for more audible pedestrian signals (APS) in multiple locations. Chelsea, representing the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the center and thanked the council for recognizing the day and month. She said staff and students had previously worked with the city on one APS installation and asked the city to consider adding or repairing APS at other crossings, including one near Milton and Holiday where several related workplaces are located.
The resolution (filed as 2025-2375) passed by unanimous vote. The council scheduled a photo opportunity after the vote and invited Chelsea and students from the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to accept the proclamation.
The proclamation cites the need for driver awareness, the state's white cane law and the role of pedestrian infrastructure in reducing injuries. City staff said follow-up would include coordination with transportation staff to assess locations for APS and to repair reported nonworking signals.
