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Heading Out for a Bike Ride? Don’t Forget Your Helmet!

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1 year ago

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With spring in full bloom and National Bike Month underway, the Rockland County Department of Health reminds all bicyclists that safety starts with a helmet. Whether riding for fun, fitness, or commuting, wearing a properly fitted helmet is the most effective way to prevent serious head injuries in the event of a crash. In Rockland County, it’s not just smart; it’s the law. All bicyclists, regardless of age, must wear a helmet when riding.

Rockland is a beautiful place to explore on two wheels, but it comes with risks. Preliminary data from the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR) shows that in 2024, there were 84 bicycle crashes in the county, with one fatality, and 77 resulting in injuries. Across New York State in 2022, there were 7,523 bicycle crashes and 50 fatalities. More than half of those who died were not wearing helmets.

“May is National Bicycle Month, making it a great time to remind everyone how to ride safely. With more cyclists on the roads, it’s essential to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and share the road responsibly,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. 

Be Predictable
• Ride with traffic, not against it.
• Stay as far to the right as safely possible. Use the shoulder or the bike lane whenever it is safe to do so.
• Use hand signals when about to make a turn and obey traffic signs and signals.
• Never hold on to moving vehicles.

Be Seen
• Don’t assume a driver has seen you. Establish eye contact or adjust your activity to make sure they are aware of your presence.
• Use a headlight and taillight when riding at night. Equip your bike with reflectors and wear light-colored, reflective clothing.
• Use a horn, bell, or your voice to alert others to your presence.

Be Careful
• Avoid road construction, congested two-way streets, and complicated intersections whenever possible.
• Keep your bicycle’s tires, brakes, and safety equipment in good working order.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and know your bike’s limitations.

Be Smart
• Always wear a helmet.
• Avoid distractions—don’t use a phone while riding; if you are listening to music, only wear one earbud.

For more information about bicycle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Bike Safety.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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