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

Jeff Knight and His Company Face Second Lawsuit Over Ferry Collision Alleging Negligence

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — A lawsuit has been filed by a family…

Trump announces Israel’s acceptance of ceasefire terms in Gaza; awaits Hamas response

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has “agreed to the necessary…

Musk Proposes New Political Party in Response to Trump Megabill Criticism

Elon Musk renewed his calls Monday for a new political party as…

Illinois Hotels Prohibited from Using Small Shampoo Bottles Under New Law

(WGN) One of Illinois’ more interesting laws to go on the books…

Valuable Gear Stolen from Kansas City Youth Sports Organization

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of equipment from…

Victim’s Father Says Bryan Kohberger Plea Deal Is Far from Justice

() The father of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves criticized…

Venue Issues Apology for Major Delays at Oregon Post Malone Concert

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Although Providence Park officials said they “successfully hosted…

Environmental Advocate Criticizes Lack of Transparency in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Plan

() An organizer with a Florida conservationist group is alleging a lack…

Senate’s Massive Bill Still Includes No Tax on Overtime: What Does This Mean?

(NEXSTAR) — Following an all-night session, the Senate approved a significant package…

Dream Vacation for Basketball Fans: Rent Michael Jordan’s Former Chicago Mansion on Airbnb

A mansion in the Chicago area, once owned by legendary NBA player…

Two Lives Lost Following Shooting at Atlanta Fraternity Picnic

ATLANTA (AP) — A second person has died after a fraternity picnic…

“I’m Absorbing Everything”: Carson Boyd Learns from Altmyer and Coaching Team

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Carson Boyd may be new to Champaign, having…