Last year, MilWALKee Walks was proud to launch an engaging and impactful pilot of our pedestrian safety education series in partnership with the Milwaukee Center for Independence. With more than 20 participants from the MCFI Brain Health Program, the series centered on adults from across Milwaukee County who navigate their communities as non-drivers due to disability. Participants represented a wide range of mobility experiences, some of whom shared that their disabilities were the direct result of traffic violence. From the very first session, the energy was evident, and participants were eager to share, learn, and build skills that would support their independence and safety in everyday travel.
Across four workshops, participants explored the fundamentals of pedestrian safety while gaining confidence in navigating their own frequented routes. Further, participants learned practical tools to advocate for safer and more accessible infrastructure across multiple municipalities. This included how to report issues like broken or poorly placed pedestrian signals, uneven sidewalks, and crosswalk hazards.
During a group outing, participants engaged in a walk audit where they identified a number of common pedestrian accessibility barriers in the surrounding area and, importantly, helped to educate MilWALKee Walks staff about some of the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Another highlight of the series was a special session featuring a representative from the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works multimodal team, who introduced the new Mobility Plan and engaged directly with participants’ thoughtful questions and lived experiences.
These exchanges of expertise were transformative for all involved: deepening understanding, strengthening collaboration, and amplifying voices that are too often overlooked in planning. This was not only a successful and dynamic program series, but a step forward in creating safer, more inclusive streets for all!