The Village of Croton-on-Hudson has recently completed a number of improvements meant to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists – just in time for the start of the new school year.
These improvements include:
- New Sidewalks: New sidewalks were completed on Thompson Avenue and Whelan Avenue to fill gaps in the existing network. These projects were chosen by the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee and funded by the Village Board of Trustees as part of the 2025-2026 Capital Plan. Future sidewalk projects are planned as funding and time allow.
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB): A new RRFB was installed at the mid-block crosswalk on Grand Street and Wood Road for students walking to and from Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School. A similar beacon was put in place on Maple Street near Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School in 2024. Pedestrians should press the button to activate the flashing lights and alert drivers.
- Crosswalk Safety Signs: Crosswalk safety signs were installed at three intersections on Cleveland Drive and Old Post Road South to remind drivers to yield to pedestrians. A successful trial may lead to more widespread use of these signs throughout the village.
These new improvements complement other efforts that have been undertaken by the village in recent years. The Board of Trustees adopted a Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan developed by the Village’s Bicycle Pedestrian Committee in 2021. In 2023, the village-wide speed limit was reduced to 25 MPH and a Complete Streets Policy was established, ensuring future infrastructure projects are designed with pedestrians and cyclist safety considered. Finally, earlier this year, Gotwald Circle (at the intersection of Benedict Boulevard and Cleveland Drive) was recently renovated to be a safer and more efficient intersection.
The Village continues to look for new ways to improve safety for all road users. In July 2025, the Village Board authorized a traffic engineering study to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety along Old Post Road North between Michaels Lane and Hunter Place. The study will involve data collection, surveying, and the creation of a conceptual design plan for roadway improvements.
Village Mayor Brian Pugh said, “Thank you to everyone for a safe first week of school. To improve safety on our local roadways our village has implemented new safety measures, like the rapid flashing beacons and new sidewalks, to help protect our residents. Thank you to our dedicated Bicycle Pedestrian Committee for their hard work and all of our residents for doing their part to keep our streets safe for everyone.”
“Back-to-school season is an exciting time for our community, but it’s also a crucial time for safety. With more students walking and biking, we urge everyone to be extra mindful. In addition to remembering to be careful on the road, we can also improve safety with better policy and infrastructure. From new sidewalks to improved crossings, the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee is proud to be part of the progress in our village,” said Matt Arnold, Chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee.
For more information on these safety improvements, please contact the Village Manager’s office at 914-271-4848.
