Changes at Rocky River after 2 teen bike vs. car accidents

In the past two weeks, two students from Rocky River Middle School were involved in incidents where their bikes collided with cars. The first event took place at a pedestrian crossing on Hilliard Boulevard, and later, another accident occurred at Westway Drive and Northview Road. Fortunately, one student only sustained minor injuries, while the other had to be taken to a nearby hospital. These accidents occurred while the students were commuting to and from school. One driver has already received a citation, and the other is pending one as well. Local cyclist Mehul Gala expressed his concern and fear for everyone involved, sharing his personal experience of knowing friends who were killed in similar accidents. Gala is now one among many community members worried about safety issues. Consequently, local authorities, including the schools, police, and city officials, are collaborating to prevent such accidents from happening again. The joint effort is beginning with education, using public service announcements to inform students, families, and the wider community via social media. The city's Director of Public Works and Safety, Rich Snyder emphasized the importance of educating drivers, students, and pedestrians. Additionally, Gala and others are advocating for additional safety measures, such as dedicated bike lanes and lower speed limits on popular routes. Traffic calming measures have already been implemented in certain neighborhoods, with plans for more underway. The aim is to ensure the safety of all community members, from cyclists to drivers. Rocky River City Schools Superintendent, Adham Schirg, underscored the interconnectedness of school and community safety, emphasizing that a secure school environment contributes to a safer community, and vice versa.