Pasco mom fights for legislative changes after daughter gets hit by car biking to school
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A new law went into effect Tuesday aimed at giving children in Florida a safer walk to school.

Cherie Reinhart is now 12 years old. On Monday, her mom, Jennifer Reznick, bought her a new bike.

For some, this is a fun new adventure but for Cherie, it was a big step.

This will be the first time she gets back on a bike since being hit while riding her bicycle to school when she was 11 back in September.

“She was on her way to school, she was in a crosswalk, she stopped, and she still ended up being hit by a car,” Reznick explained.

How is this relevant to state legislation? As it stands, students residing within a two-mile radius of their school are required to walk, get a ride, or bike there unless there are risky walking conditions present.

Florida statute defines those conditions with a few specific qualifications.

House Bill 85, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, expanded those.

“This proposal primarily incorporates the term ‘limited access facility,’ referring to the freeway and its ramps, into the list of risky walking conditions,” explained State Senator Kim Kendall.

Reznick is now fighting for another step forward.

“Please change the definition of a student,” she said. “‘Change the definition of a student from ‘elementary’ to ‘K-12’.”

“Our objective was to encompass all students, making it irrelevant — whether in middle or high school — if their route to school is hazardous, they qualify for bus transportation,” added Reznick.

News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, “If legislators could hear you today, what would you want them to hear from you?”

“Let’s try again,” she said.

State Rep. and former Hillsborough County School Board member Susan Valdes said she wants to go even further.

“If we want to fix it for all children in the state of Florida, let’s get rid of that two-mile rule, and let’s fund it,” she said. “Period.”

Reznick has since switched her daughter to a private school that accommodates her hours, so she’s able to drive her to and from school.

As for House Bill 85, it officially went into effect Tuesday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Cold Case Solved: Murderer Sentenced 58 Years After Heinous Crime

(KTLA) – In what is being hailed as the oldest cold case…

Unity Graduate Kimball Transfers to SIU

TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity grad Blake Kimball is taking his talents…

Man Detained After Making Threats Toward Texas Governor and Judge, Say Police

AUSTIN (KXAN) A 31-year-old was arrested Sunday after the Criminal Investigation Division…

US Judge Rules HHS Layoffs Likely Unlawful, Orders Immediate Halt

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal judge has deemed the recent mass layoffs…

Local Leaders and Medical Associations File Lawsuit Against Trump’s Move to Limit Obamacare Enrollment

WASHINGTON – Democratic mayors nationwide are legally contesting new Trump administration regulations…

The Dalai Lama Emphasizes China’s Non-Interference in Succession Decisions

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama declared that the established Tibetan Buddhist tradition…

Diddy Awaits Verdict: A Look at His Current Business Ventures

LOS ANGELES – As Sean “Diddy” Combs awaits the jury’s decision in…

‘Tampa Enhances Stormwater Systems for Greater Resilience Against Storms’

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of Tampa acknowledged that while it…

Trump considers arresting Mamdani and suggests Musk’s deportation

() President Trump has threatened to arrest New York City mayoral candidate…

Illinois American Water Enhances Financial Assistance Program for Residents

Residents of Belleville, Illinois, will find it easier to get assistance with…

Virulent Virus Stops Cat Admissions at Manatee County Animal Shelter

BRADENTON, Fla. (SNN) — A fast-spreading and lethal virus is currently wreaking…

Ukraine Seeks Joint Weapon Production with Allies Amid US Shipment Delays

KYIV – Ukraine is moving forward with early plans to co-produce weapons…