Janesville, WI – A Janesville middle school student was struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycle near school grounds, prompting widespread concern over traffic safety in local school zones.
The incident, which occurred during the morning commute on May 9, has spurred local officials, school leaders, and concerned parents to reexamine pedestrian and cyclist safety measures across the city.
Details of the Incident
According to the Janesville School District and the Janesville Police Department, the student was biking near the intersection of East Milwaukee Street and Wright Road around 7:30 a.m. when they were hit by a vehicle.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and transported the student to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The driver involved remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether any citations or charges will be issued, but the case remains under review.
Witnesses reported that the student was in a crosswalk area at the time of the incident, although weather and visibility conditions are also being examined as contributing factors.
The identity of the student has not been publicly released due to their age, but the school district has confirmed that the child attends a local middle school.
District Responds With Support and Precaution
In a statement released later that morning, the Janesville School District assured the public that it was providing full support to the student and their family.
“Our thoughts are with the student and their family following this unfortunate event,” said Dr. Karen Schulte, Superintendent of Janesville Schools. “We are actively working with emergency services and law enforcement and reviewing our safety protocols.”
Crisis counselors were made available on campus for students and staff members needing emotional support. The district has also emphasized its commitment to improving communication with families regarding student safety and road awareness.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
Local parents and community members have voiced growing concern about road safety near Janesville schools, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. Many say that while school zones are marked, not all drivers take the necessary precautions, and infrastructure updates are long overdue.
Lisa Marten, a mother of two middle schoolers in Janesville, stated, “This could have been any of our kids. We need better signage, speed bumps, and crossing guards. These school zones just aren’t as safe as they should be.”
In response to public outcry, the Janesville City Council has announced plans to review safety conditions surrounding school zones throughout the city. An emergency town hall meeting has been scheduled to address potential upgrades such as flashing pedestrian signs, improved crosswalk markings, and added traffic patrol during peak school hours.
Focus on Bicycle Safety Education
The Janesville Police Department has used the incident as an opportunity to highlight the importance of bicycle safety education for students and drivers alike. Officer Mark Davis, who heads the department’s traffic safety division, emphasized that both children and adults must understand the rules of the road.
Key safety reminders from the police department include:
- Children should wear helmets that fit properly at all times.
- Bicycles should be equipped with reflectors and lights, especially during early morning hours.
- Riders must follow the same traffic laws as drivers, including obeying signals and stop signs.
- Drivers should always slow down in school zones and remain alert for crossing pedestrians and cyclists.
The department has proposed a collaborative program with Janesville schools to provide bike safety training and distribute free helmets to students.
Looking Ahead: Planning for Prevention
Following the incident, city and school officials are reviewing existing infrastructure near school buildings. Many schools lack dedicated bike lanes or visible pedestrian crossings, which puts young cyclists at greater risk.
For instance, East Milwaukee Street—where the accident occurred—is known to be a high-traffic area with limited crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians. Residents have frequently requested better lighting and signage, particularly during winter months when visibility is low.
City Engineer Brian Walker commented that improvements are already under consideration. “We’re looking into low-cost but high-impact changes like adding flashing crosswalks and speed display signs,” he said. “Our priority is the safety of Janesville’s children.”
Conclusion
As the student involved in the accident recovers, the community of Janesville is rallying around the need for better safety measures and education. With increased attention from both the school district and local government, there is hope that future incidents can be prevented.
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming city safety meeting and participate in ongoing discussions about improving student safety. The event will take place at Janesville City Hall on May 15 at 6 p.m.
For more information about the incident and safety initiatives in Janesville, visit NBC15 News.
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