To the Editor,
I am writing to bring urgent attention to a serious pedestrian safety issue on Forshay Road in Monsey, specifically in front of 18 Forshay Road, home to Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim (Scheiner’s).
Forshay Road is a busy and heavily traveled corridor used daily by drivers and pedestrians alike. Unfortunately, despite existing signage, crossing the road at this location has become increasingly dangerous. Residents and mispallelim who frequent the area have witnessed countless near-miss incidents, and there is a troubling history of pedestrians being struck. These are not isolated occurrences. They reflect a clear pattern showing that current safety measures are not sufficient.
One of the main problems is vehicle speed. Cars regularly travel well above the posted limit, leaving drivers with little time to react when pedestrians attempt to cross. Static signs alone are simply not enough to command attention or slow traffic in such a high-risk area.
A proven and effective solution already exists: the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) crosswalk. These high-intensity flashing beacons actively alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing, dramatically improving visibility and driver compliance. Communities across the country have seen significant reductions in near-miss incidents and pedestrian injuries after RRFBs were installed.
Given the volume of traffic, the steady flow of pedestrians, and the presence of important community and educational institutions nearby, installing an RRFB at this location is not just advisable. It is necessary. Waiting for another serious accident before taking action would be irresponsible.
A growing number of residents have already signed a petition urging local decision-makers to prioritize this life-saving improvement. The petition can be found here:
https://www.change.org/p/require-a-rectangular-rapid-flash-beacon-crosswalk-at-18-forshay-rd
I strongly encourage our elected officials and relevant agencies to listen to the community and move swiftly to make this crossing safer.
Protecting pedestrians should never be optional. It is time to act before someone else gets hurt.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Monsey Resident
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.
Seems like the road legally can’t have a crosswalk
because its a state rd its been a problem for a while but nothing can be done but i signed the petition
Unfortunately there’s nothing that can or will be done. Monsey is just becoming the new Lakewood. If these issues of safety,traffic, corruption etc… bother you it’s time for you to move out of town.
The new Shuls gonna be ready anyway in time for shavuos, so they’re doing something
Firstly, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon’s should be installed at every cross walk or at least at the busiest ones. What are we asking? For a 250K – 500K investment in pedestrian safety?!?!?! I witness daily how drivers show no respect to pedestrians attempting to cross or even at times when the pedestrian is half-way through the cross walk and the drivers wont stop. RRFB’s should have “red” flashing lights when pressed, not yellow. Union Road, Route 306, Maple Av., all of these should have RRFBs. Lastly, police ought to strictly enforce cross-walk right of way. PD should be out at the busy cross walks and teach drivers a lesson. Two days ago I witnessed a motorist stopping for a pedestrian at the Phyllis and Maple cross walk, lo and behold, while the pedestrian was in the intersection crossing, the “Yukon” behind him cuts the driver off nearly missing the pedestrian. This is a daily occurrence.
Nobody has patience. Everyone is in a rush
I think it’s very dangerous and i’m not sure from the first place the plan, but i think they are almost finishing building right next to there parking lot there new shul so if we wait a little longer then won’t be really such a problem
People need to wear reflectors from slightly before twilight.. Drivers can’t see pedestrians crossing the street until vehicles are too close to the pedestrians. Also when synagogue ends, everyone should cross together instead of one person crossing and another crossing two feet down the road. It’s easier to see a group than one person. Also, it is easier to stop once instead stopping every couple of feet.
This situation did not happen by accident.
It is the result of systemic failure, willful negligence, and cowardice by those whose job it is to protect the public.
Responsibility lies squarely with the Town Supervisor and those charged with governance, with the property owner, and yes—with the congregation itself.
This property was illegally built, expanded without proper permits, and allowed to metastasize into a weapon of mass construction. It was done without regard for zoning laws, traffic impact, pedestrian safety, or basic human life. Oversight was ignored. Enforcement was absent. Accountability was nonexistent.
Forshay Road did not suddenly become dangerous. It was made dangerous—by reckless growth approved through silence and political convenience. What now exists at 18 Forshay Road is a death-defying condition, created knowingly and sustained deliberately.
Near-misses are routine. Pedestrians have already been struck. This is not theoretical risk—it is documented, repeated, and escalating. Every day this continues without decisive action is another day that officials gamble with human lives.
Signs are meaningless. Warnings without enforcement are lies.
The refusal to install proven safety measures is not bureaucracy—it is negligence.
An RRFB crosswalk is the bare minimum. Anything less is an admission that the lives of pedestrians are expendable.
If another person is injured or killed at this location, the blame will be clear and traceable. It will not belong to “traffic conditions” or “unfortunate timing.” It will belong to those who knew, who were warned, and who chose inaction.
Protecting pedestrians is not optional.
Enforcing the law is not optional.
Doing nothing is no longer an option.
Act now—or own the consequences.
One of the biggest that no one mentioned is the hitchhiking that stops the cars at every place where these guys stand. It’s sudden and could be a killer. Second issue is the turning lane at Viola. People are already moving into the turning lane at Lodi which is still only two lanes. There are also now two illegal schools, one at 1 Lodi and the second at 9 Forshay which is only exacerbating the problem.
They should install a crossing bridge or tunnel… prob solved
And maybe charge a toll? Would solve the membership question in an instant. How about congestion pricing just in our general area? All good ideas, but too little to late.
That area is RLUPA on steriods
If I’m not mistaken the houses might still be privately owned.
The problem isn’t just pedestrians. It’s the cars that shoot out of the lot forcing drivers on the road who have the right of way to stop short or hot them. The cars that stop suddenly for hitchhikers and the cabs that stop in the road to pick up or drop off fares. A pedestrian bridge would help a lot, but wouldn’t solve all of the problems.