By Rockland Daily Staff

A growing community effort aimed at improving traffic and pedestrian safety along Old Nyack Turnpike and Saddle River Road continues to gain momentum, as hundreds of residents rally around concerns that have affected families and drivers for years.

Residents describe the corridor as facing a two-way safety problem. Pedestrians, particularly children, lack safe crossing areas and traffic-calming measures, forcing families to navigate fast-moving traffic daily. At the same time, drivers contend with the absence of proper turning lanes and roadway design features, creating congestion, confusion, and unsafe conditions.

Residents point to a history of accidents in the area, including incidents involving children, as evidence that the current conditions are unsustainable and require immediate attention.

In response, hundreds of residents have signed a petition calling for infrastructure and safety improvements to address speeding, congestion, and the lack of protections for both pedestrians and motorists.

The issue has been raised at recent town meetings, where residents spoke about real-world conditions and urged action. Since then, discussions have expanded to both town and county leadership.

Residents have expressed appreciation for the engagement and commitment of several officials who have already stepped forward to help advance solutions, including Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Ramapo Chief of Staff Mona Montel, Rockland County Legislators Joel Friedman and Moshe Hopstein, New York State Assemblyman Aron Wieder, Spring Valley Trustee and Deputy Mayor Yisroel Eisenbach, and the Office of Congressman Mike Lawler.

Neighborhood residents also shared that additional meetings are already scheduled with town and county officials who have expressed willingness to support efforts to resolve these long-standing safety concerns.

As momentum continues to build, residents say the goal remains simple: to prevent future tragedies and create safer streets for children, pedestrians, and drivers throughout the area.