Bike safety before summer

On one of the last days before summer vacation, third graders at East Side Intermediate School in Harrisburg got to practice safe habits for a summer activity.

Members of the office of the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White: Field Liaison Jerry Prince, Public Service Representative Connie Deen, and Region 2 Facility Manager John Wellen brought bicycles into the East Side gymnasium to let students practice right-of-way gestures and how to respond to road signs. The students also watched a short video from White's office about the importance of bicycle safety.

"The Secretary is very much aware of the value of education and learning rules and regulations at an early age," Prince said. "When they get a few more years on them, and get ready to get their drivers licenses, maybe some of our levels of preparation can kick in then."

According to White's office, which routinely distributes pamphlets and videos regarding safety, "The best way to avoid injury is by being prepared for the dancers that streets pose to bicycle riders and by obeying the rules of the road."

"It's all about safety, it's all about education, it's all about awareness," Prince said. "It feels like the earlier we start this, the better it is."

Four high school students: LIST were chosen to help with the event by monitoring each road sign that the third-graders needed to observe. Harrisburg Police Officer Tom Leverett also came to the event to help students remember to use the proper hand signs when stopping or turning while riding a bicycle.