The wail of police and ambulance sirens is a common backdrop for those living in Peekskill – an all too familiar sound that often signals motor vehicle crashes and pedestrians struck, among other calls. 

The Peekskill Herald has covered multiple motor vehicle crashes, pedestrians struck and, in a few cases, killed during our four years documenting life in Peekskill. There are multiple scenarios that lead to these incidents — from speeding and disregard for traffic laws to road rage and driving while intoxicated. 

To facilitate conversation on this issue, on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dramatic Hall, the Peekskill Herald is hosting “Walking and Wheeling,” a community discussion about Peekskill city streets and how best to make them safer for all. 

Panelists include Stephanie Bethea, a Peekskill resident and advocate; Peekskill Police Chief Leo Dylewski; Julian Bautista Rojas, Peekskill resident and traffic planning consultant; and Jen Zawacki of Peekskill Walks. The panel is moderated by Herald Publisher Regina Clarkin. 

The event is free and open to the public. The goal is for participants to walk away with action items to make our streets safer for everyone, whether they are walking, wheeling, or driving. 

This panel is made possible by a grant from the Westchester office of New York Community Trust.