Grandview Heights police officers Grashel and Diaz want students to strap on their helmets before pedaling to school this fall.

The two officers posted a video on the city's official social media accounts on Aug. 12, sharing bike safety reminders timed to the first day of Grandview Heights City Schools. Upper Arlington students return Aug. 17, after storm damage delayed their start by five days.

In the video, the officers reminded young riders that Ohio law requires anyone under 16 to wear a helmet. They also urged students riding after dark to equip their bikes with front and rear lights, use hand signals when turning and stay aware of road conditions and traffic rules.

The tips matter now.

The guidance comes days after a separate Grandview Heights video featured Officer Smith with walking safety tips for students heading to campus on foot.

Community concerns already surfacing

At least one resident flagged risky behavior on the first day back. A commenter on the city's Instagram page described watching a student cyclist blow through a driveway, ride onto a sidewalk with pedestrians and cross against a stoplight without stopping.

@6britches: "I just saw a student barrel down the street as a car was halfway out of their driveway and didn't stop — that same bike went up on the sidewalk in which there were people walking — that bike, then crossed against the stoplight and continue to weave from the street to the sidewalk."

The city also reduced the speed limit on Grandview Avenue between Mulford Road and City View Drive from 35 mph to 25 mph on July 29, according to a city alert. The change followed a traffic study by EP Ferris and aims to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

UA students return next week

Upper Arlington Schools pushed its first day from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17 after severe storms on Aug. 11 knocked out power to several school buildings and damaged surrounding neighborhoods. The district is using a staggered schedule: grades 1–5, sixth grade and ninth grade start Aug. 17; grades 1–12 return Aug. 18; and all K–12 students attend Aug. 19.

The bike safety tips apply equally to UA students who ride to school. Parents and residents can report safety concerns to the Grandview Heights Police Department at (614) 488-7901 or the Upper Arlington Police Division at (614) 459-2800.