Bicycling With Complete Safety

The eyes of the nation are focused on safety, the  safety of human lives in the metropolitan areas: at work, at play, in schools, and on the highways. Above all, safety for the lives of 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. It just happens to be my work to encourage carefulness. 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 grown-ups are careless. Yes, we're  all careless, aren't we? And so we all have a lot of work to do. But we must tell  everybody to be careful, at school, at play, and at work. You come and  go on these busy streets. But we can't begin to talk about all the things we  should do. There's one subject that worries us a lot: bicycles. Bicycle riding, a real healthy  sport. Bicycles give us pleasure and exercise, take us to school, and often help  us earn money. I want to encourage every boy and girl to ride. It helps you  grow into strong, healthy men and women. But riding a bicycle can be the most dangerous  thing we do. I was driving down the street one day, and I saw Willie Jones with a nice  big box of popcorn. Willie could ride without even touching his handlebars, but  he just couldn't resist that last bite. "You think he'll be all right, Doc?" "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. And unless we use our Christmas savings...  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. 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 a bicycle. This boy didn't save any time either. It's better to  take it easy. You'll get there quicker. Uh-oh. Look at that. You simply  must not ride on the sidewalk. This officer is only doing his duty.  The sidewalk is not meant to ride on. The boy feels guilty, alright. 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 day. They'll do you a favor every time. Dangerous business, horseplay. 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 warned.  They'll watch out for you. A good bicycle horn, or a horn-and-light  combination 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 Dad will be glad to help you get it.  He'll be proud of you for even thinking of it. Lights especially are important.  It's a great sport to ride at night when you can. Lights should be on  both ends, front and back. Why, the police will stop an automobile that  doesn't have lights. As big a thing as a car is, 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 brake. And look at that broken pedal. That's dangerous. These boys are cooperating  with their best friends: 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, fella, a big drive for safety.  These boys are getting their instructions. They're listening carefully. They'll all be here  tomorrow, and all the ready of tomorrow. These officers try to teach  the boys how to ride safely: "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, and  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. Twenty 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'll have a boy of your own, and you'll want him to always be careful.