A day that began with shock and fear for Grisham Middle School student Ivor Stewart McChesney ended with happiness and a brand new bike thanks in part to the quick response of the Round Rock ISD Police Department.

Ivor was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike to school Tuesday morning. While scraped and  a little banged up, he fortunately escaped serious injury. His bike was a different story.

As Austin Police investigated the crash, Round Rock ISD Police followed up with Ivor and his family to make sure he was OK and had all he needed. When they realized the boy’s bike was totaled, they sprang into action.

Intending to purchase a new bike and helmet with his own money and pledges from officers and Round Rock ISD team members, Round Rock ISD Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough headed to Trek Bike Parmer.

“They wouldn’t take our money,” Yarbrough said. “They donated a $1,000 bike, helmet and safety gear for our student. It’s so satisfying to be part of such a supportive, caring community.”

Ivor’s dad, Alex McChesney, said the day was a roller coaster of emotions and he appreciated both the concern and the thoughtfulness of everyone involved.

“It was really sweet of them,” McChesney said of Round Rock ISD police officers bringing Ivor the new bike. “He’s excited. Though I think it will be a few days before he’s ready to ride it to school.”

While Ivor’s story has a happy ending, it also highlights the serious topic of bike and pedestrian safety. Walking and biking are fun and healthy ways to get to school and should be encouraged, but all of us —students, parents, staff and community members — must stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure student safety. Please remain alert, stay off your phone, and adhere to speed limits while driving in a school zone. And for those walking or biking, follow these guidelines:

  • Wear bright-colored clothes, and carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear if it is dark or hard to see.
  • Look for traffic at every driveway and intersection. Be aware of drivers in parked cars that may be getting ready to move.
  • Walk or bike in a group.
  • When walking or biking while wearing earbuds, keep the volume at a level where you can still hear traffic and surrounding sounds.
  • Cross at corners and use crosswalks whenever possible; always stay within the lines of the crosswalk.
  • Never walk, run or ride your bike between parked cars or buses.
  • Walk on the sidewalk or a walking path. Where there is no sidewalk and you have to walk on the road, be sure to walk facing traffic.
  • When riding your bike at dawn, dusk or nighttime always use lights: white in front, red in back.
  • Always wear a helmet! For children under 18 in Austin, it’s the law!
  • Ride on the right side of the road in a single file line (one bike behind the other) in the same direction as other vehicles and come to a complete stop before crossing streets.