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CHILDREN GIGGLE
KIDS: Let's Go Biking!
TY: Get Ready to Ride!
SYDNEI: Riding is fun. Everyone knows that.
TY: It's great to ride your bike just for fun
TY: around the neighborhood,
TY: on a greenway or on a trail at the park.
SYDNEI: But there are lots of other reasons
SYDNEI: why riding a bike is a great idea.
TY: Can you think of some?
DREW: It's good for me!
TY: That's right.
TY: It's good for your heart and muscles,
TY: and makes you stronger.
SEAN: It gets you where you want to go!
SYDNEI: Correct! Biking is a great form of transportation,
SYDNEI: it's faster than walking, and for short distances,
SYDNEI: it can even be easier than taking a car.
CYRANI: It's good for the environment!
TY: Absolutely! Riding a bike produces no pollution.
BRANDON: It gives me freedom!
SYDNEI: So true!
SYDNEI: Riding a bike is a great way
SYDNEI: to learn the rules of the road
SYDNEI: so you'll be ready when you learn to drive a car.
TY: So now we have all these good reasons to ride our bicycles
SYDNEI: What's the first thing we should do before we ride?
KIDS: Ask an adult!
CYRANI: Hey Grandma,
CYRANI: can we ride our bikes
CYRANI: instead of taking the car?
NOELIA: Hey Tito,
NOELIA: can we ride our bikes
NOELIA: to the new Nature Research Center?
DREW: Mom,
DREW: can Brandon and I ride our bikes
DREW: to the new science museum?
MOM: Sure.
SEAN: Hey Dad,
SEAN: can we ride our bikes
SEAN: to the new nature center?
DAD: Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
SYDNEI: Talk to an adult
SYDNEI: about where you want to go by bicycle,
SYDNEI: around the neighborhood,
SYDNEI: to visit a friend, to school, the park,
SYDNEI: or to the cool Nature Research Center.
TY: Your parents or adults in charge
TY: will decide if they need to go with you
TY: or give you permission to go by yourself.
SYDNEI: In Let's Go Biking,
SYDNEI: you are going to learn how to control your bicycle
SYDNEI: while thinking about traffic.
SYDNEI: You'll learn how to interact safely with traffic.
TY: You should practice these biking skills
TY: with an adult on driveways, sidewalks,
TY: or greenway trails until you can do them really well.
SYDNEI: Then when you have confidence in your skills,
SYDNEI: talk with your parents
SYDNEI: about whether you're ready to ride in the street.
SYNDEI: It is up to your parents
SYNDEI: to help you decide
SYNDEI: where you should ride.
SYDNEI: So you have permission to ride your bike somewhere.
TY: What's your next step?
KIDS: Plan a safe route!
SYDNEI: Think about the best way
SYDNEI: to get where you are going.
SYDNEI: Look at maps.
SYDNEI: Choose a route away from busy roads.
SYDNEI: Is there a greenway that you can use?
TY: If you're going to ride your bicycle
TY: to someplace often, like school or the library,
TY: plan the route you will take
TY: with your parents and follow it.
SYDNEI: Even if you have permission
SYDNEI: to bicycle without an adult,
SYDNEI: practice riding any new routes several times
SYDNEI: with a parent or older rider before doing it alone.
TY: Now you know where you're going,
TY: but before you go,
TY: you need a bicycle that is right for you.
KIDS: Have a bike that fits!
CYRANI: I love your bike.
SYDNEI: It's really important
SYDNEI: that you have a bicycle that fits you,
SYDNEI: and there are easy ways
SYDNEI: to check and see if your bike fits.
TY: If your bicycle has a diamond frame,
TY: you should be able to stand over the frame
TY: with 1 to 3 inches between you and the bike.
SYDNEI: If you have a step-through frame,
SYDNEI: adjust the seat up or down
SYDNEI: until you can sit comfortably.
SYDNEI: If you're just learning to ride a bicycle,
SYDNEI: both feet should be touching the ground
SYDNEI: when you sit on the seat.
TY: If you have more experience bicycling,
TY: set your seat so that when your foot is on the pedal
TY: in its lowest position, your leg is slightly bent.
TY: It's always ok to ask an adult
TY: to help you adjust your bicycle.
SYDNEI: So what are the first three important things
SYDNEI: that you need to do
SYDNEI: before you ride your bike?
SYDNEI: See if you can remember them all!
TY: Before you ride your bike you need to:
KIDS: Ask an adult!
KIDS: Plan a safe route!
KIDS: Have a bike that fits!
SYDNEI: Now it's time to do the "ABC Quick Check"
NOELIA: A is for Air.
ELLIE & CYRANI: B is for Brakes.
DREW & BRANDON: C is for Cranks, Chains, and Cogs.
SEAN: Quick is for Quick Release.
TY: You should do the "ABC Quick Check"
TY: every time you ride.
TY: First, A is for Air.
TY: Make sure your tires have enough air in them.
TY: If it's full, it should bounce back.
TY: If it needs air, it will sink in.
TY: You can find correct pressure
TY: written on the side wall of the tire.
TY: Make sure your pump fits the valve on your tire;
TY: then pump it up until you reach the right pressure.
TY: Next, spin the wheels.
TY: Each wheel should spin freely without much wobbling.
TY: Look for broken or missing spokes
TY: and bulges or bald spots on the tire.
NOELIA: My tires and wheels are ready to go!
SYDNEI: Next, B is for Brakes.
SYDNEI: Make sure your brakes will stop your bicycle.
SYDNEI: If you have coaster brakes,
SYDNEI: you check them by spinning the back wheel
SYDNEI: and pushing the pedal backwards.
SYDNEI: The wheel should stop.
SYDNEI: If you have hand brakes, squeeze the levers.
SYDNEI: They should work smoothly
SYDNEI: and be able to stop your wheel
SYDNEI: when you push your bike forward.
SYDNEI: Make sure the levers don't hit the handlebars.
SYDNEI: Check that the pads are clean,
SYDNEI: straight, and touch the rims properly.
SYDNEI: Brake pads that touch the tire
SYDNEI: can cause a blowout.
SYDNEI: Pads that go under the rim
SYDNEI: and contact the spokes
SYDNEI: can cause a crash.
ELLIE: My brakes are working great!
CYRANI: My brakes are ready to go!
TY: Then, C is for Cranks, Chains, and Cogs.
TY: Make sure your bicycle chain
TY: and gears are working smoothly.
TY: Grab the crank arms
TY: and try to wiggle them from side to side.
TY: There should be no movement.
TY: Make sure your chain isn't too loose or full of dirt.
TY: On a bike with hand brakes,
TY: spin the pedals and cranks backwards
TY: to see if the chain runs smoothly over the cogs.
TY: The chain should look like metal,
TY: not rust or black gunk.
TY: If your bike has more than one gear,
TY: shift between gears
TY: to make sure they work properly.
DREW: My cranks and chain are all set!
BRANDON: My gears are running smoothly!
SYDNEI: And last, Quick for Quick Release.
SYDNEI: Make sure any quick releases
SYDNEI: are tight and properly closed.
SYDNEI: You may have a quick release
SYDNEI: on the seat post or on the wheel.
SEAN: Our quick releases are tight!
TY: And that's the ABC Quick Check.
TY: Can you remember what each one stands for?
SYDNEI: Before you ride your bike you need to check:
NOELIA: A is for Air!
ELLIE & CYRANI: B is for Brakes!
DREW & BRANDON: C is for Cranks, Chains & Cogs!
SEAN: Quick is for Quick Release
TY: You can learn how to make
TY: minor repairs to your bike by going online,
TY: checking out a good book from the library,
TY: or getting help from a parent or older friend.
SYDNEI: For major repairs,
SYDNEI: take your bicycle to a bike shop
SYDNEI: and have a mechanic fix it.
TY: Now your bike is ready to go, what about you?
TY: What is the most important thing you need
TY: to have before you ride your bike?
KIDS: A helmet!
SYDNEI: That's right!
SYDNEI: In North Carolina, it's the law!
SYDNEI: Anyone under the age of 16
SYDNEI: must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
SYDNEI: Helmets are very important
SYDNEI: because they protect your head from injuries
SYDNEI: that can damage your brain.
TY: Choose a helmet that's the right size for you.
TY: It won't do its job if it doesn't fit.
TY: It should fit your head snugly but comfortably.
SYDNEI: Then you can pick out one
SYDNEI: that fits your personality!
TY: Adjust the helmet so it fits you just right.
TY: The helmet should sit level on your head
TY: and cover the top of your forehead,
TY: with about two finger widths of space
TY: between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet.
SYDNEI: Fasten your helmet and adjust the straps to fit snug,
SYDNEI: but not tight, forming a V under each ear.
SYDNEI: The helmet shouldn't rock back and forth
SYDNEI: or from side to side.
SYDNEI: A helmet that's too loose could come off in a crash.
TY: Once a helmet has been in a crash,
TY: it has done its job.
TY: Even if you can't see any damage,
TY: it's time to replace it with a new one.
SYDNEI: You've got your helmet fitting just right,
SYDNEI: now there's one last thing you need to do
SYDNEI: before you go biking.
SYDNEI: What can you do to make sure
SYDNEI: the drivers on the road see you?
KIDS: Be visible!
TY: You need to do everything you can
TY: to make sure drivers can see you.
SYDNEI: Bright colors or light colors help drivers see you.
SYDNEI: The sooner drivers can see you,
SYDNEI: the easier it is for them to react to you
SYDNEI: as another vehicle on the road.
SYDNEI: What about when it's getting dark?
TY: It's not a good idea to ride a bicycle
TY: under dim light conditions
TY: such as early in the morning
TY: at sunset, or when the skies are getting dark.
TY: If you must ride at night,
TY: North Carolina law requires you
TY: to use a headlight and taillight
TY: or rear reflector on your bicycle.
SYDNEI: You should also wear light colored clothing
SYDNEI: and lots of reflective material.
SYDNEI: Without something reflective,
SYDNEI: it can be very difficult for drivers to see you
SYDNEI: and very dangerous for you.
TY: Have you been doing the two most important things
TY: you can do to protect yourself when riding your bike?
SYDNEI: Protect yourself when riding your bike:
KIDS: Wear a Helmet!
KIDS: Be Visible!
TY: It's very important that you know the rules of the road
TY: while riding your bicycle.
TY: Do you know why?
KIDS: Because a bicycle is a vehicle!
SYDNEI: In North Carolina,
SYDNEI: the law defines a bicycle as a vehicle.
SYDNEI: That means you must follow the rules of a vehicle
SYDNEI: when you ride a bicycle on the road.
KIDS: Know the Rules of the Road!
TY: The first important rule is to:
SEAN: Stop at the end of driveways!
TY: You stop to make sure the street
TY: is clear before going into the street.
TY: The number one crash kids have with cars happens
TY: when they don't stop at the end of the driveway.
TY: So stop EVERY time to look for traffic
TY: and wait if necessary before you cross or enter a road.
TY: Then enter the road only when you are sure it's safe.
SYDNEI: The second important rule is to:
BRANDON: Ride with traffic!
SYDNEI: You must ride your bicycle
SYDNEI: on the right side of the road, with the traffic.
SYDNEI: Riding against the traffic is not only against the law,
SYDNEI: it is a leading cause of car-bike crashes,
SYDNEI: especially at intersections.
SYDNEI: So always ride on the right!
SYDNEI: Vehicles are also required to stop
SYDNEI: for people crossing the street.
TY: And if you're on a bicycle, you're a what?
KIDS: A vehicle!
TY: So the third rule of the road is to:
CYRANI: Yield to Pedestrians!
TY: You should stop to let pedestrians cross
TY: just like a motor vehicle should.
TY: If they are crossing at an intersection, you should stop.
TY: If they are on a sidewalk
TY: and you are riding on a driveway,
TY: you should stop, let them cross,
TY: then stop again at the driveway's edge to check for traffic.
TY: On a greenway trail or sidewalk,
TY: when you come upon a pedestrian from behind,
TY: slow down to pass and let them know
TY: you are coming up behind them.
BRANDON: On your left.
DREW: On your left.
SYDNEI: Another rule for vehicles
SYDNEI: that you will need to follow is:
NOELIA: Pull over for sirens!
SYDNEI: Whenever you hear a siren
SYDNEI: from an emergency vehicle,
SYDNEI: like ambulances, fire trucks and police cars,
SYDNEI: you must pull off to the right side of the road
SYDNEI: and stop just like car drivers.
TY: Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk
TY: is not the safest place to ride.
SYDNEI: Why do you think that might be?
KIDS: Because a bicycle is vehicle!
TY: Bicyclists who use the sidewalk
TY: can be hazardous to pedestrians
TY: who are not expecting them.
TY: And drivers are not expecting
TY: fast moving bicycles on sidewalks
TY: at driveways and intersections.
TY: So, once you have the skills to ride on the road,
TY: like a vehicle should, stay off the sidewalks!
SYDNEI: Did you already know the rules of the road?
SYDNEI: Have you been following them?
TY: Remember to set a good example when you bicycle
TY: with younger kids or your friends
TY: by following all the rules of the road.
SEAN: Stop at End of Driveways!
BRANDON: Ride With Traffic!
CYANNI: Yield to Pedestrians!
NOELIA: Pull Over for Sirens!
SYDNEI: Once you're on the road,
SYDNEI: you are going to see lots of traffic signs and signals.
TY: Traffic signs and signals direct motorists,
TY: bicyclists, and pedestrians
TY: by telling them when it's their turn
TY: or by alerting them to possible situations up ahead.
TY: So you need to:
KIDS: Know the Traffic Signs and Signals!
SYDNEI: If you know basic traffic signs and signals,
SYDNEI: you'll be able to do the right thing
SYDNEI: when you see them
SYDNEI: and safely share the road with others.
TY: Let's see whether you know the right thing to do
TY: when you see each of these signs or signals.
SYDNEI: Let's start with an easy one: a Stop Sign.
SYDNEI: What should you do when you approach a Stop Sign?
BRANDON: I come to a complete stop,
BRANDON: look for traffic,
BRANDON: wait for any crossing traffic or pedestrians,
BRANDON: then move carefully through the intersection.
TY: Okay, here's another one.
TY: What should you do when you approach a Yield Sign?
DREW: I slow down,
DREW: check for traffic,
DREW: wait for any crossing traffic or pedestrians,
DREW: then move carefully through the intersection.
SYDNEI: What should you do when you see a One-Way Sign?
ELLIE: I only ride in the direction of the One-Way arrow
ELLIE: and not the other way.
TY: A Do Not Enter Sign?
CYRANI: I never ride into a street with a Do Not Enter Sign.
CYRANI: I find another way to get where I'm going.
SYDNEI: A Railroad Crossing Sign?
SEAN: I slow down, look and listen for a train.
TY: Busier intersections may use signals rather than signs.
TY: What should you do when you approach a Traffic Signal?
NOELIA: If the light is red,
NOELIA: I come to a complete stop
NOELIA: and wait for the light to turn green before I go.
NOELIA: If the light is yellow,
NOELIA: I know that the light is about to turn red,
NOELIA: so I slow down and stop
NOELIA: if I haven't entered the intersection.
NOELIA: If the light is green,
NOELIA: I go through the intersection with caution
NOELIA: and keep looking for traffic.
SYDNEI: Some intersections have flashing traffic signals.
SYDNEI: What should you do
SYDNEI: when you approach a Flashing Traffic Signal?
BRANDON: If the flashing light is red,
BRANDON: I come to a complete stop,
BRANDON: look for traffic,
BRANDON: wait for any crossing traffic or pedestrians,
BRANDON: then move carefully through the intersection‚ BRANDON: wait for any crossing traffic or pedestrians,
BRANDON: then move carefully through the intersection‚
BRANDON: just like a STOP sign.
BRANDON: If the flashing light is yellow,
BRANDON: I slow down and check for traffic
BRANDON: before going through the intersection with caution,
BRANDON: just like a YIELD sign.
SYDNEI: Looks like you might be ready to ride.
TY: Your next step is to learn the Bicycling Basics
TY: and practice what you learn.
SYDNEI: Have fun,
TY: be safe, and:
SYDNEI & TY: Let's Go Biking!
NOELIA: Let's get going.
NOELIA: I can't wait to see the Nature Research Center.
DREW: Bye Mom, Brandon and I heading out.
SEAN: Come on Dad, let's go.
CYRANI: Grandma, we're ready. Let's go!
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CHILDREN GIGGLE