Connect with us

Government

Rockland County Bicycle Safety Awareness

Published

3 months ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

5 days ago

on

August 9, 2026

By

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Continue Reading

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

7 days ago

on

August 8, 2026

By

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

Continue Reading

Trending