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MPD sheds light on bicycle safety
mark bicycle light.jpg
Seth Wright photo McMinnville Police Officer Mark Mara presents Maddux Rogers, 5, with a pair of bicycle lights as part of MPD's initiative to encourage bike safety.

With spring on the horizon, McMinnville Police Department (MPD) is renewing its efforts to help citizens bike safely.

During Saturday’s showing of Mary Poppins Jr. at the Park Theater, MPD was on hand to give away bike safety lights for those in need of them. The lights were received as part of a shipment a couple years ago and included helmets as well as front and back bike lights, and have since been distributed during various events.

The department, which is part of McMinnville-Warren County CPS Coalition, focuses on engaging the community with safety initiatives such as educating citizens about the safe operation of bicycles and proper installation of car seats. Through grants, the coalition funds the procurement of bike lights like the ones handed out Saturday.

“With temperatures rising, we are seeing more bicyclists on the road,” MPD Officer Mark Mara said. “MPD bike officers have stocked up their vehicles with boxes of bike lights and are not only handing them out, but also installing them. MPD is committed to reducing crashes with injuries and educating bicyclists are a huge part in this goal.”

Mara indicated the potential for injury is always present when bicyclists are involved in a crash, and there are laws in place to help protect both bicyclists and pedestrians.

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.

More bike safety events 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.