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Rockland County Bicycle Safety Awareness

Published

5 months ago

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Rockland County officials are urging both cyclists and motorists to prioritize roadway safety following a rise in bicycle-related crashes across the county in 2024.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, Rockland County recorded 90 bicycle-vehicle crashes last year, resulting in one fatality and 83 injuries. Officials say the statistics underscore the ongoing need for increased awareness, safer riding habits, and greater cooperation between drivers and bicyclists on local roads.

Under New York State law, bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists and are granted the same rights on the road. County officials emphasized that safe cycling includes obeying traffic signals, using proper hand signals, and ensuring bicycles are equipped with required safety features such as lights and reflectors.

Helmet use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly for children. In Rockland County, all bicyclists are required by law to wear a helmet.

Officials are encouraging cyclists to take several precautions when riding, including:

  • Wearing a properly fitted helmet at all times
  • Riding in the direction of traffic and obeying all signs and signals
  • Using front white lights, rear red lights or reflectors, and reflective clothing when riding at night
  • Avoiding distractions such as phones or headphones
  • Using hand signals before turning or stopping
  • Riding predictably and remaining visible to drivers
  • Never riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Motorists are also being reminded to do their part by remaining alert, checking blind spots, sharing the road responsibly, and allowing safe passing distance when near cyclists.

“Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another,” county officials said in the public safety reminder.

More information about bicycle and pedestrian safety is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets page.

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

Published

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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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

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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