Monroe proclaims October Pedestrian Safety Month and designates White Cane Safety Day

Mayor Donna Douglas read a proclamation at the Oct. 6 Common Council meeting declaring October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month and Oct. 15, 2025 as White Cane Safety Day in Monroe. The mayor said the proclamation calls on residents, leaders and lawmakers to prioritize safe, accessible streets and infrastructure for children, older adults and people with disabilities.

Jackson Baker, who said he represents the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, thanked the council and described what the white cane means to people who are blind or visually impaired. "The white cane is more, than a tool. It represents independence, mobility, and the right, to move safely through our community," Baker said. He added that driver awareness of white cane users and service animals helps prevent dangerous incidents and reinforces the law requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians using a white cane.