Recent traffic safety trends in the region and throughout the nation have been frustrating to say the least, but there’s some good news for walking and biking in Westchester County. Significant state and county investments and persistent advocacy will soon materialize into trails and safer streets for Westchester residents.

Finally Connected: North and South County Trails

Earlier this summer, the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a $2.75 million bonding act to support the final phase of a 36.8-mile off-road trail between Putnam County and the Bronx. County Executive Rob Astorino announced that construction of a 0.6-mile connector to link the North and South County Trails between Greenburgh and Elmsford will begin next spring. This final stage of the project, which has taken over thirty years to reach, will give provide Westchester and New York City residents alike a safe way to commute and travel throughout the region.

Complete Streets and Trail-Oriented Development in Yonkers

A trail along the former New York and Putnam Railroads in Yonkers will also be moving forward, thanks to a $390,000 grant issued by the New York State Regional Economic Development Council last year. The trail will ultimately provide recreational and transportation uses for the community, and reach the 242nd Street subway station in the Bronx.

The increased funding for multi-use trail projects comes at a critical time for the region. Yonkers has the fifth worst pedestrian crash rate in the state (excluding New York City), and was recently identified as a focus community in the state’s Pedestrian Action Safety Plan. Thanks to a five-year state grant, the Nepperhan Community Center has been working with community members and local leaders to draft a complete streets ordinance. Stay tuned, public hearings should be announced this fall.