Bicycle Safety Classes Expand into Middle School This Spring

Submitted by Terry Gleason, Chair of Bedford’s Bike Committee

The Bedford Friends of the Minuteman Bikeway expanded their bicycle safety classes into the Middle School this spring. According to the State Safe Routes Coordinator, Bedford is a leader in among all the school bicycle programs with classes at the 6th grade level.

Bike Committee chair, Terry Gleason, high-lighted some of the reasons why this is true: “Begin with the town being blessed with three rail trails providing ready access to all our schools for many families. This gives us a core group of kids who are often biking to school in 5th or 6th grade. Finally, we have certified bicycle instructors plus volunteers who despite day jobs, make time for these events, and teachers and school staff who support our programs.”

The JGMS classes start with the basics taught to all Job Lane 4th graders: mechanical check (ABC QuickCheck), helmet fitting, hand signals, proper clothing, reflectors and lights, and rules of the road. Using donated bicycles, the second half of the class is hands-on practice of riding skills: riding in a straight line while looking back to check traffic and practicing hand signals; safe and effective braking.

The take-home message for the students and their parents according to Gleason  is: “Here are the skills you will need to ride safely and confidently. Practice them in a safe environment. If you ride long enough you will eventually see another rider crash because they grabbed the front brake too hard, their quick release lever was loose, or their untied shoelace wound around the pedal. We don’t want that to happen to you. And always wear a properly fitted bike helmet!”

Gleason thanks volunteers Dave Enos and Diane Zamot, and Phys Ed teacher Libby Beinert for the enthusiasm they brought to the classes, and the Bedford residents who donated bicycles.

The bike committee is looking forward to Bike To School Day (May 7), and another collaboration with Bedford PD and Rotary Club for the annual Bike Helmet Day (date to be determined). This year they hope to add a skills practice and test to the event.