Redwood Falls continues to invest in trails, sidewalks and connections that make it easier to travel between neighborhoods, schools, parks, businesses and other destinations throughout the community.
For many families, bikes and scooters are part of that picture. As traditional bikes, e-bikes, scooters and electric scooters become more common, it is important to understand the rules that apply and help young riders choose safe routes.
Know What Your Child Is Riding
Not every bike or scooter is treated the same under Minnesota law.
Traditional bicycles: Minnesota does not establish a minimum age for operating a regular bicycle. Riders are responsible for following applicable traffic laws and bicycle rules.
E-bikes: A person under 15 years old may not operate an electric-assisted bicycle in Minnesota. E-bikes are also divided into classes, which can affect where they may be operated. Families can review the Minnesota e-bike requirements for more information.
Electric scooters: Minnesota classifies these as motorized foot scooters. A person under 12 may not operate a motorized foot scooter, and anyone under 18 must wear properly fitted and fastened protective headgear. Motorized foot scooters also may not be operated on sidewalks, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. Additional information is available in the Minnesota motorized foot scooter requirements.
Traditional, nonmotorized scooters are different from motorized foot scooters and are not subject to those same requirements.
Knowing exactly what your child is riding is the first step in understanding which rules apply.
Choose a Safe Route
The shortest route is not always the safest route.
Families can help by reviewing routes together and identifying sidewalks, bike paths and designated crosswalks that provide a more predictable way to travel.
For students traveling to and from Redwood Valley Elementary School along McPhail Drive, the available sidewalks and bike paths can help provide a more consistent route.
Students traveling to Redwood Valley Middle School and Redwood Valley High School at the east end of E. Cook Street should also make use of designated sidewalks, bike paths and crosswalks throughout the area.
Families and drivers should pay extra attention along Dekalb Street during school arrival and dismissal times, when a 20 mph speed zone is in effect.
Walking or riding the route together before a child begins traveling independently is a simple way to point out crossings, higher-traffic areas and places where extra attention is needed.
Share the Space
Trails, sidewalks and streets are shared by people traveling in many different ways. Riders may encounter pedestrians, other bikes and scooters, vehicles and changing conditions along the way.
A few reminders can help make bike and scooter travel in Redwood Falls safer for everyone:
- Slow down near intersections, crossings and driveways.
- Use designated crosswalks when crossing streets.
- Give pedestrians and other riders plenty of space.
- Put phones and other distractions away while riding.
- Look carefully before entering or crossing a roadway.
- Follow posted signs and applicable rules.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Adjust speed based on the people, traffic and conditions around you.
Safe travel is about more than knowing how to operate a bike or scooter. It also means being aware of the people sharing the space around you.
Take the Route Together
Before a child starts traveling to school or other destinations independently, consider making the trip together first.
Talk about where to ride, where to cross and what to do when approaching vehicles, pedestrians or other riders. It is also a good opportunity to make sure everyone understands the rules for the specific bike or scooter being used.
A child who is old enough to operate one type of transportation may not yet meet the requirements for another.
A little preparation can help young riders feel more confident and prepared as they travel around Redwood Falls.
Keeping Redwood Falls Connected
Trails, sidewalks and other transportation connections are an important part of making Redwood Falls a community where people can move safely between the places they need and want to go.
Using those connections well is something we all share responsibility for.
Whether traveling by bike, e-bike, scooter, vehicle or on foot, knowing the rules, paying attention and looking out for one another helps keep Redwood Falls moving safely and connected.