Lucas Saenz, a junior at Wellington High School, recently recounted a harrowing experience in an essay that shed light on the critical issue of bike safety. Saenz shared his ordeal of sustaining head injuries while cycling without a helmet during a trip to Colombia in 2017. His essay, a poignant reminder of the importance of protective gear, was honored by the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday, May 14, alongside other winners of the 2024 Public Safety Art and Essay Contest.
Reflecting on his accident, Saenz wrote, “I don’t know exactly how it happened because I hit my head and forgot most of the events from that day.” Recalling his confusion upon waking up in the hospital, he added, “While at the hospital, I would wake up confused, asking my parents questions such as: ‘What happened to me?’ or ‘Why am I at the hospital?'”
Saenz’s experience underscores the gravity of bike safety, a concern that extends beyond personal anecdotes. According to an analysis conducted by consultants involved in Wellington’s Vision Zero project, pedestrians and cyclists were involved in 21 out of 132 collisions resulting in fatalities or serious injuries within Wellington over the past decade, representing approximately one-sixth of all incidents.
Ruta Jariwala, a principal with TJKM Transportation Consultants, emphasized the urgency of addressing bike safety during a workshop with Wellington Village Council members on April 18. Jariwala stressed the overarching goal of Vision Zero: to eliminate traffic-related deaths or severe injuries in Wellington by 2030. In pursuit of this objective, project organizers plan to present recommendations to the council in the coming weeks, encompassing education initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and grant applications aimed at bolstering road safety measures.
Records indicate that bicycles were involved in nearly one-tenth of fatal or incapacitating-injury crashes in the village, with riders spanning diverse age groups, from children to seniors. Public concerns regarding road safety overwhelmingly prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, reflecting the community’s collective apprehension.
Highlighting the efficacy of helmets in mitigating injury risks, Saenz emphasized that while wearing a helmet cannot guarantee absolute safety, it can significantly reduce the impact of a collision and potentially save lives. Echoing this sentiment, Ryan Ranjiv Balliram, another Wellington High School junior and essay contest participant, underscored the paramount importance of helmets in promoting bike safety.
Acknowledging the shared responsibility of motorists in ensuring road safety, Balliram emphasized the significance of maintaining safe distances, exercising caution when opening car doors, and being mindful of cyclists on the road.
In addition to the essay submissions, artworks from students across various grade levels offered creative insights into bike safety. Camila Diaz, a third-grader at Binks Forest Elementary School, received first place in the elementary school art category for her depiction of a young cyclist alongside a crossing guard, accompanied by speech balloons advocating helmet use. Recognitions extended to students from middle and high schools, with winners selected by Wellington’s Public Safety Committee from over 250 submissions.
The accolades and creative expressions showcased in the Public Safety Art and Essay Contest underscore Wellington’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and awareness on its roads. As the community strives towards the Vision Zero goal, initiatives aimed at enhancing bike safety remain at the forefront of public discourse and action.