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Bike safety event provides supplies to children
Bike Check - Family copy.jpg
Nikki Childers photo Individuals and families received safety gear during the bike check last Friday afternoon. Kayla Townsend stands behind her children, from left, Amaya, back, Eden, niece Emma Higgins, Kaylee and Journee as they show off their new gear courtesy of the McMinnville-Warren County CPS Coalition.

Like with all other vehicles on roadways, safety is a fundamental part of riding a bike. Luckily, many are now biking more securely after the McMinnville-Warren County CPS Coalition handed out gear during a recent bike safety event.

Last Friday, volunteers from the community as well as McMinnville Police Department (MPD) and the Warren County Sheriff’s Department joined forces at Hamilton Activity Center to give helmets, headlights and taillights for bikes to children in the community. Funding for the equipment was received through a grant and bike seats, tubes, tires and bike locks were provided by Lisa Harvey.

“We have been handing out all of the gear and also teaching them some of the laws of the road and bicycle safety,” said McMinnville Police Department Patrol Sergeant Jay Black Wolf Hutchings of the event’s purpose.

Warren County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Peyton Norris who is part of the coalition expressed a joy for helping the community. “Some of the kids don’t have a lot, and I’m happy to come out here and help get them helmets, lights and fix their tires so they can go out and have fun,” said Norris.

“This has been a huge help,” said Kayla Townsend who brought her daughters and niece to be outfitted with new safety equipment. “It’s so fun to see all the kids coming together and riding their bikes. My girls are so pleased with their lights and reflectors. Everyone was so helpful; they even did a repair on my daughter’s bike.”

According to Tennessee state law, the following applies to those operating bicycles:

• Bicycles should remain on the right-hand side of the road and follow the same direction as traffic.

• Use hand signals to communicate intended movements.

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals.

• Those under the age of 16 years of age are required to wear a helmet on any highway, street or sidewalk.

• Bikes should be equipped with a front white light visible from 500 feet and either a red reflector or a lap emitting red light.

• All child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches in height must be seated and secured in a child restraining seat or a bicycle trailer.

The event was a success and put 31 sets of helmets, 31 headlights and 19 taillights in the hands of young bicyclists. 

More future bike safety events like this one will be held by the coalition and those interested in hosting one can contact MPD Officer Mark Mara at mmara@mcminnvilletn.gov to discuss setting one up.