Brite Star Kids "Fun Times at Brite Star" A Brite Star Kids Book Copyright © 2023 by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)3 All rights reserved. Published by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc. 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway Suite 338 Las Vegas, Nevada 89141 Vincent W. Goett, Publisher
ISBN Paperback
979-8-89750-246-2
Digital
979-8-89750-247-9
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Construction projects can cause big traffic problems that make it hard to get around town. But everyone in Brite Star was happy about the newest construction project. However, no one was more excited than the kids of Brite Star.
“When will the project be finished? It has taken a long, long time!” saidLeo. “It sure looks like they are close,” said Mr. Emerson. “It will be a good thing for you kids when it’s done.” “The Brite Star bike path will be so cool! We will be able to ride our bikes all over Brite Star and be safe,” said Jimmy.
Mr. Emerson pulled the bus up to the Brite Star school and stopped. The kids remembered the rules they learned when Officer Dan taught them about bus safety. They carefully exited thebus and moved out of the danger zone until Mr. Emerson drove away.
Officer Penny is the crossing guard at Brite Star School. Shehelps the kids who walkto school be safe. Shealso greets the kidswho ride Mr. Emerson’s bus. “Hello kids. How’s everybody doing today?” shesays. “We’re doing great, Officer Penny! We’resuper excited because we saw that the bike path is almost done,” said Miles.”We can hardly wait to ride our bikes on it!”
“Good morning everyone,” said Miss Betty when the kids went inside. Before the class started their lessons, Miss Betty had a surprise. “Today we have another fun lesson from our good friend, Officer Dan.” “Good morning.” Officer Dan said. “Today I want to talk about something that you kids have been looking forward to for some time. The Brite Star bike path is almost finished. So, I want to talk with you about how to stay safe while riding your bikes.”
“We already know how to ride a bike, Officer Dan. We’re not little kids anymore,” Miles said. “This is about more than whether you know how to ride a bike, Miles. It’s about how to be safe while you’re on the bike,” explained Officer Dan. “We’re going to talk about things that will keep you safe when you’re on the new Brite Star bikepath.”
“Bike riding is alot of fun, but accidents happen if you aren’t careful. I want to help keep you safe,” said Officer Dan. “Every year lots of kids have to see Nurse Sally at the Brite Star Hospital because of bike injuries. I don’t want that to happen to you.”
“Let’s see what you know. What are some important rules to follow when you’re riding a bike?” Officer Dan asked.
The kids waited to see who would speak first. No one was surprised when Miles was the first, “Always wear a helmet. Youdon’t want to fall and crack your head open.” Everyone laughed. Miles always had a great way of saying things. “Yes,” said Officer Dan. He was smiling, too. “That is a very important rule.”
“A second thing that is important is making sure your bike is in good condition,” Officer Dan continued. “Ask your moms and dadsto check that your bike’s brakes areworking. Have them check that the tires are properly inflated. Make sure the handlebars are the right height and tightly attached. Also check that the bike chain is in good condition.”
“Another important thing to think about when you’re riding is that nothing will get caught in your bike chain,” Officer Dan said. “Be careful about long, loose pant legs, backpack straps that hang down, orshoelaces that are too long. Sneakers are the best shoes to wear when you bike. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels, and cleats won’t help you grip the pedals well. And never go riding barefoot! Also, be sure that if you ride at night you wear bright clothing so you will be seen.”
“Officer Dan I saw some older kids ridingtheir bikes using no hands,” said Karen. “Is that safe?” “No, that’s very dangerous and shouldnever be done, Karen,” said Officer Dan. “Always keep your hands on the handlebars so you have control.”
“Be sure to stop and check for traffic in both directions when you are riding out of your driveway, an alley, or at a corner,” Officer Dan continued. “Only cross streets at intersections because when you pull out from between parked cars, drivers can’t see you coming. Walk your bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and follow trafficsignals. Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.”
“Officer Dan, my friends sometime ride their bikes really slow. Is it OK if I pass them?” Miles asked. “Yes,you can pass but let them know you’re passing by calling out, ‘passing on the left’ Remember to always pass on the left side of other bikers. It’s safer.”
“It’s important to know the signals to give so other riders know where you’re going,” Officer Dan said. “Here’s what you do: Left turn: After checking that there is room behind you, hold your arm straight out to the left and slowly turn left. Stop: After checking that no one is immediately behind you, bend your elbow, pointing your arm downward in an upside down “L” shape and cometo a stop. Right turn: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an “L” shape, and ride forward slowly. Another right turn signal is to hold your right arm straight out from your side.”
The Brite Star bike path opened the very next day.The kids had so much fun riding on it. They remembered all the things Officer Dan taught them and stayed safe by remembering the bike safety rules.
Think About It
1. What constructionproject were the Brite Starkids excitedabout? 2. What other safetyrules had Officer Dan taught the kids? 3. Did the children think they already knewall the bike safetyrules? 4. Whatwasthefirstbike safetyrule thatMiles mentioned? 5. Whataretheturnsignal motions?
Let’s Work Together!
Riding bikes s i alot of fun. Butthey canalso be dangerous if you don’t obey safety rules. Which rules are hardest to remember? Can you askafriend or parent to help you remember to do those thingssoyouwillstay safe?
I Will . . .
• Alwayswearmyhelmet whenIride. • Askmyparentsto makesuremybikeissafe. • Learnthesignalstogive other riderswhen Iambiking.
Even though it’s fun to be silly sometimes, safety is most important. Choose to do funny things when you are not on your bike. Be safe whenyou ride.
"The Brite Star Kids— Entertaining Through Life Lessons in the Magical World of Brite Star!"
Welcome to Brite Star! Brite Star is a magical world filled with adventure, friendship, and valuable life lessons. With hundreds of books and videos available for free, children can explore exciting stories that inspire curiosity, kindness, and learning. Whether it’s rescuing animals at Brite Star Ranch, discovering hidden lessons in Critter Village, or following the dreams of young athletes and adventurers, there’s always something new to explore in Brite Star. Read, watch, and learn—because every great adventure begins with a story!