Bicycle Safety (1950)

[Music] what can compare with the thrill of a brand new bike those long days of wishing and waiting are finally over and the proud new owner can look forward to to enjoying his bike in many ways for bicycling is a healthy active sport enjoyed by almost everyone not only does it provide vigorous outdoor exercise but it means quick easy transportation to and from school it's a nice fast way of getting from one place to another and it may even be a means of earning money you're taking a lot of responsibility in owning and riding a bicycle you are now an operator of a wheeled vehicle you are the automobile driver of tomorrow and good safe bicycle Riders often turn out to be the best drivers No Good Pilot would think of flying an an airplane that was not in perfect condition he knows that his very life depends upon his plane so he inspects it carefully before flying so you should check your vehicle your bike to see that everything is in good condition if you don't know how to check your bike get a bike mechanic to help you check to see that the handlebars grips and pedals are right adjust the seat so that your knee is slightly bent when the pedal is all the way down be sure that the chain and sprocket are well guarded no check is complete unless spokes are tight every bicycle should have a bell or horn for use as a warning signal if your bicycle is to be ridden at night it should have a headlight which is visible for at least 500 ft and it should have a tail light or at least an approved reflector and finally your bike must have good brakes your life may depend on it several times a day but keeping your bike in top condition is only the beginning cars trucks buses and bicycles all are Vehicles all must obey the traffic laws keep to the right side of the road or street that side is for slowly moving Vehicles when riding in a group ride in single file at the extreme right of the roadway be sure to keep a safe distance behind the bike ahead of you before riding out of alleys or driveways stop to be sure the way is clear when Crossing heavily traveled streets or highways it's better to Dismount and walk across with your bike this precaution gives you a much better chance of avoiding the passing cars turning left at a busy intersection is a problem for the bicyclist the best way is to ride across the intersection and stop at the far right corner then as soon as the light changes turn and ride off in the New Direction every bicyclist should know the proper hand signals and should use them when turning or stopping be sure you know what the correct signals are in your community and use them at all times before turning left be sure to look behind you this will keep you from turning into the side of a passing automobile signal before you begin to turn then make the turn with both hands on the handlebars even stops require signals while you're on the street carry Parcels or books in a basket or luggage carrier you need both hands free for proper operation of your bike never carry anything which obstructs your view of the road your bicycle was made to carry one person to carry more is not only bad for the bike it's downright dangerous never never hit your ride the slightest bump in the pavement could easily throw this boy into the path of an automobile this is illegal in most communities and for good reasons if you want to do tricks like these stay out of the street stunting and racing should be done in vacant Lots or protected areas away from pedestrians and traffic too much speed makes your bike harder to control and is especially dangerous when riding down a steep hill when riding at night be sure to wear light color clothing so motorists can see you more easily Park your bike in a safe proper place standing upright this is better for your bicycle and it keeps people from stumbling over it in the dark a lock on your bicycle is good protection against thieves there's more to Safe bicycle riding than just remembering the rules you must be alert this young man is not thinking about what he's doing he's in danger because he's unconscious of what's going on around him learn to be an alert bicycle Rider you'll find that it helps you to avoid accidents the bicyclist who weaves all over the road in front of motorists is asking for trouble he confuses the motorist and he acts as though he might be somewhat confused himself if you remember the rules for safe bicycling you'll know what these Riders are doing wrong what's wrong with the way this cyclist signals for a left turn do you think the parents of this boy would be proud of the way he's learned to ride his new bike will this girl's mother be happy when she sees her coming home with the groceries if she gets there why is this young man likely to spend some time in the hospital soon this is Johnny's dad coming home with the groceries Johnny's been trying to get his allowance raised poor Johnny if he'd only remember to put that bike away as a bicycle owner and Rider you have a responsibility to care for your bike properly and operate it safely it's your duty to obey the traffic rules to be alert and quick-witted to look out for the other fellow as well as for yourself as a good safe bicyclist you'll be respected by the people of your community for you are proving to your friends and neighbors that bicycling can be both fun and safe [Music]