Bicycling With Complete Safety (1939)

[Music] The eyes of the nation are focused on safety. Safety of human lives in the metropolitan areas, at work, at play, in schools, and on the highway. Above all, safety for the lives of the thousands who will be the men and women of tomorrow. Leaving their homes for school and play. We want them to return again without one single tragedy among their number without death due to traffic. But this will not be the gift of providence. Providence is not always so kind. It will be the result of diligent work on the part of civic authorities in cooperation with a younger generation working for safety. The police officer is a real friend of every boy and girl. Let's work with him. Now don't look upon me as a police officer. Just happens to be my work encouraged carefully. I'm one of all your parents. When you go out on the street, we want you to come back to us. Boys and girls, we don't want you to be hurt. We carrots. Yes, we're all carrots, aren't we? And so we all have a lot of work to do. And we must tell everybody to be careful. Your activities are many. School, play, and work. You come and go on these businesses. But we can't begin to talk about all the things we should do. There's one subject worries us a lot. That is bicycle. Bicycle riding, real healthy sports. Bicycles give us pleasure. Exercise take us to school and often help us earn money. I want to encourage every boy and girl to ride. It helps to grow into strong, healthy men and women. But riding a bicycle can be the most dangerous thing we do. Driving down the street one day and I saw Willie Jones with a nice big box of popcorn, willing to ride without even touching his handlebars, but just couldn't resist that last fight. You think you'll be all right, Jack? >> Oh, yes. He'll be all right, but he'll probably be in here for several weeks. >> I I don't know how we'll pay for it. Unless we use a crystal sad. >> Willie knows what that means. >> Wouldn't it have been better if Willie had done it this way? Bobby keeps his eyes on all the corners and side roads. He keeps his hands on the handlebars because when he goes home, he and father and mother and little sister will keep right on living. You bet they will. When Bobby makes a right hand turn, he does it that way. Then that fellow behind has got to watch out for him. Bobby is riding safely. Those street crossing signs are made for bicycle riders just the same as for automobiles. Bobby observes them carefully. See there? That motorist didn't stop. It's his fault. You bet it is. And it's a good thing Bobby stopped, isn't it? Bobby has good brakes, too. He knows that he can stop when he has to. You'll never catch Bobby doing this. Boy, that's hard on bicycle. This boy didn't save any time either. It's better to take it easy. You'll get there quicker. >> Uhoh. Look at that. You simply must not ride the sidewalk. This officer is only doing his duty. The sidewalk is not meant to ride on. The boy feels guilty. All right. Isn't that so, fella? The officers know Bobby too, but it's a different kind of feeling he gets. Friends like these are worth having any old days. They'll do you a favor every time. Dangerous business. Horse play. Motorists are careless fellas. They'll hit you. Starting in and out like this should be done in the park or anywhere except in the street when you were young. You were taught not to do that. Well, this is just as bad or worse because you're going so fast that the motorist just doesn't know which way to turn. Use your horn to let people know you're coming. They appreciate being worn. They'll watch out for you. A good bicycle horn or horn and light combine such as this is worth a lot to you. If you have one, be sure it works. And if you don't have one, well, we'll bet that dad will be glad to help you get it. He'll be proud of you for even thinking of it. Lights especially are important. A great sport to ride at night when you're safe. Light should be on both ends. front and back. While the police will stop an automobile that doesn't have lights, as big a thing as a car, why shouldn't they insist on bicycle lights, too? The best protection you can get. Inspect your equipment, fellas. Keep it in good condition. A good bicycle is something to be proud of. When it's a wreck, well, you just get careless. But when it's good, you're going to be more careful. You see? Poor break. And look at that broken pedal. That's dangerous. These boys are cooperating with their best friend, the officers of the police department. Their license numbers are proudly exhibited and every frame is stamped like this for police protection. It's a drive, fellow, a big drive for safety. These boys are getting their instructions. They're listening carefully. They'll all be here tomorrow and all the rest of these officers try to teach the boys how to ride station. Stay away from that left curve. Signal your turn. Then you'll be safe. And keep your eye on the other fellow. He may be dangerous. It's best to do as the officer says. Then he'll protect you by teaching you things like this. Many bicycle riders have achieved their fine record in this way. Do it this way, fellas. Go down the street with a feeling that you know the traffic rules of your city and always be careful. 20 years from now, you'll still come home to dad and mother. They'll still be glad to see you. You'll be the man they want you to be. And fellas, listen. Someday you have a boy of your own, and you want him to always be careful. [Music] [Music]