Submitted by Shannon Witherell and Brenda Herron on behalf of the Lowell Fire Department
On June 13, 2019, Ryan was biking with his dad on a bike path and they came to an intersection. Although they had the right-of-way to cross, a driver did not see Ryan, and proceeded through the intersection. Ryan was struck and did not survive. Ryan's parents, Andy and Stacie Marsman, hope and pray that this tragedy can be used for a greater purpose. They do not wish to have what happened to Ryan happen to another child. Andy is a fireman for the Cascade Fire Dept and Riding for Ryan has many events throughout the year and those can be found listed on their website https://www.ridingforryan.org/events
In an effort to protect young children while riding their bikes, Andy and Stacie came up with the idea of using bicycle safety flags to provide greater visibility. The 6-foot, brightly colored safety flag gives a smaller child on his/her bicycle more height, allowing them to be seen by motorists and others.
These flags are available to the public, free of charge, and can be picked up from any of their 13
locations, including Fire and Police Stations and community locations.
Flags are available at the Lowell Fire Station and can be picked up Monday-Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00 PM. Please consider getting one for your child this summer, for protection and to honor Ryan’s memory.
