Bicycle Safety

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2Loewen outlines safety rules for youngsters, as Pickles and Roy, two cartoon canine pals, provide examples of both right and wrong behaviors. Bicycle offers very basic suggestions, beginning with selecting a bicycle of the correct size and wearing the proper equipment, including a helmet and suitable clothing. The book describes how to ride with traffic, and includes some elementary safety rules. Though briefer than Kyle Carter's On Bicycles (Rourke, 1994), this title is definitely useful. Traffic begins with an explanation of traffic lights and reminds children to stop at curbs, to look and listen, use crosswalks, avoid busy intersections, walk against traffic, and watch out for backing emergency or utility vehicles. Auto safety is also covered with regard to seat belts, keeping body parts inside the car, not bothering the driver, and checking for traffic before opening a door. Hitchhiking, hanging onto a moving vehicle, and playing near railroad tracks are offered as dangerous pastimes. This is a good update to Dorothy Chlad's When I Cross the Street (Children's Press, 1982; o.p.). Both books contain a glossary of words bolded in the text. These titles can be read alone or used by teachers to demonstrate safety techniques.Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL