Phelps Hospital Donates Safety Reflectors to Help Increase Safety in Area Towns

Walking and bicycle riding are thought to be good for one’s health, but they are not always safe activities on Westchester roads. By partnering in a safety initiative with local municipalities and police departments, Phelps Hospital is doing its part to protect area residents. The hospital recently donated 2,000 safety reflectors that can be attached to bicycles, outerwear and backpacks to increase the visibility of pedestrians and bike riders.

“Phelps Hospital is always prepared to take care of people who have been injured, but we also have a responsibility to proactively prevent accidents whenever we can,” said Daniel Blum, Phelps President and CEO. “Physical exercise is essential to maintaining good health, and wearing a reflector helps to avoid accidents resulting from poor visibility in the evening and night.”

“Donating the safety reflectors is a fantastic public service the hospital is providing to the community,” said Paul Feiner, Supervisor of the Town of Greenburgh, one of the towns where the reflectors are being distributed. “Much of Westchester is not as pedestrian-friendly as it could be, and we have many roads without sidewalks. In Greenburgh, it’s a major problem. Almost everyone has seen someone out walking at night in dark clothing, and many of us have swerved our cars out of the way to avoid hitting a pedestrian.”

The Greenburgh police will distribute the safety reflectors to people they see out walking at night in dark outfits. In addition, Town of Greenburgh residents can pick up reflectors at the office of Supervisor Feiner at 177 Hillside Ave., White Plains or by calling 914-989-1540 or emailing pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

Reflectors will also be distributed in the Village of Irvington, which has taken a number of steps to make its streets safer, and has recently launched a pedestrian safety campaign as part of its “Slow Down Irvington” effort. The reflectors are available in Village Hall at 85 Main Street and will also be given out by the police. In addition, the village is contacting the school district, runners groups and dog walkers to assist in the distribution. For information, contact Traffic Calming Irvington at slow.down.irvington@gmail.com.

“Hopefully, this will create awareness about staying safe in the dark, and as a result, people may use the reflectors and also start wearing lighter clothes or bringing along a flashlight when they go out walking at night," said Mr. Feiner. "We hope this will motivate people to think of safety.