In Peekskill, being “afraid to walk” is not a metaphor. According to the Life in Peekskill 2023 survey, 75 percent of residents believe that speeding and reckless driving are problems in their neighborhoods. Cracked asphalt, faded crosswalks, and silent pedestrian signals shape a daily landscape where walking feels less like a routine and more like an act of courage.

For the past six years, Peekskill Walks has been working to reverse that perception. The group was founded on a simple—and urgent—idea: a city should be safe to move through on foot. In their meetings, volunteers speak about broken sidewalks and neglected parks, but also about restoring a sense of collective trust in public space. “We know that residents want safer streets, but we can’t create necessary change without serious person power,” said Jen Zawacki, member of Peekskill Walks, while describing the purpose behind the new community meeting Pave the Way.

The event, scheduled for Oct. 29 at River Pointe at Drum Hill Community Room (100 Ringgold Street), aims to bring in new hands and new ideas. “This event is open to anyone and everyone,” Zawacki said. “If you are ready to dive into a big initiative or simply want to hear more about our work, you are welcome.” The session, beginning at 7:30 p.m., is also an opportunity for neighbors to look at one another, to imagine together how the streets they share might change.

During the evening, members will share what they have accomplished since 2019 and outline what lies ahead. It is not only about fixing sidewalks or repainting crosswalks; it is about shifting habits, demanding regular maintenance, and reclaiming green spaces. “We hope to capitalize on that diversity of experience to engage folks in ways that appeal to them,” Zawacki said. Her words carry the conviction that lasting change cannot be decreed—it must be built step by step, through participation.

Among the group’s top priorities are enforcing traffic laws, repairing sidewalks promptly, and creating safe bike lanes that connect neighborhoods to downtown and the Hudson River waterfront. “We would also like the city to create a permanent Pedestrian and Biker Safety Committee, similar to what Croton-on-Hudson has, that can advise officials on actions and projects,” Zawacki said.

Peekskill Walks has collaborated with city departments — including Public Works, Planning, and the City Manager’s Office — but its reach depends on adding more voices. “With more volunteers, we would be able to strengthen those relationships and work more closely with the city to improve pedestrian and biker safety,” she said.

The Oct. 29 meeting will serve to organize new committees and working groups. Some will focus on ongoing projects, while others will take on short-term tasks such as maintenance, mapping, and cleanup activities. “We are planning more clean ups and mapping projects for those who want to get involved but can’t commit long-term,” Zawacki added. The goal is that no one feels left out—that each person finds a way to participate, even if only for an hour.

Those unable to attend can stay connected through Facebook, Instagram, or by writing to [email protected].

In the end, Pave the Way seeks not only to repair streets but to restore the bond between people and their surroundings, so that walking through Peekskill once again becomes a way of inhabiting a safe and shared city.