VOL. XVII, NO. 12

Finding a means of transportation to school can often be difficult. Quite often parents can drop off students on their way to their jobs, but many times students are forced to either walk or ride their bicycles.

It would be nice if parents could be assured of their children's safety, but only their warning can provide them with some relief.

Walking to school is not too difficult or dangerous. Bicycling, though, presents many dangers: 1. If bicycles are not equipped with proper equipment such as good brakes, a light, and possibly a sound device for signaling pedestrians, there is a very strong possibility of an accident due to a malfunction of a certain part. 2. Maine roads present still another problem. These roads do not contain certain spots on them set off for bicycling. Since this is the case, riding with the traffic, when riding on the road is unavoidable, would be wise.

Emphasis on the word unavoidable should be clearly stated since most roads do have sidewalks. 3. Railroad tracks may also tend to be a hazard, if they are not crossed correctly. When attempting to cross railroad tracks, be sure to use the crossings which are set off for your protection. Many times these crossings are avoided just so time may be saved.

These and many other reasons basically outline why there are an ever‑increasing number of accidents while bicycling. Partial blame may be placed upon the drivers; but many times if bicycles are avoided, other collisions may occur.

The source of the problem is found within each individual, and the only way to prevent accidents is by observing safety rules and to constantly be aware of those people using the same facilities.