Police to students: Wear your helmet, watch the road

Red Wing Police officers made the rounds last week, telling elementary school children how to be safe while pedaling around town this summer.

“We want you to be prepared,” community service officer Tim Bohmbach told nearly 400 Burnside Elementary School students Thursday morning.

Bohmbach, along with officer Luanna Von Bargen, also spoke to students at St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School Monday and visited Sunnyside Elementary Tuesday. Their message was simple: “Wear your safety equipment,” Bohmbach said.

The officers brought with them a bike that a boy was riding last July when he collided with a vehicle at a Red Wing intersection. The bike’s frame was bent, and the officers said the vehicle’s tire ran over the boy’s leg.

“Things do happen,” Bohmbach said.

After the students watched a bike safety video from kid-favorite Bill Nye the Science Guy, Von Bargen demonstrated the proper way to wear a helmet. She also outlined other safety guidelines, including wearing light-colored clothing while biking.

“The more you’re seen, the safer you’re going to be,” she said.

The officers told the students to walk their bikes — not ride them — through the downtown areas.

“There’s too many cars,” Bohmbach said. “Too much congestion.”

Another key point was to pay attention, keeping an eye out for cars approaching from behind, knowing if there are moving vehicles nearby and watching the road ahead for sewer grates, bumps and potholes.

“Be safe, listen, watch, look out for your surroundings,” Von Bargen said.

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