Hurley kindergarteners learn 'ABC's' of bike safety

HURLEY - Kindergarteners learned a different kind of alphabet Thursday at the Hurley K-12 School during a bike safety presentation by the Hurley Police Department.

Students learned the "ABCs" of bike safety from Sgt. Chris Colassaco, who explained that each spring, bikes should be checked for three things - air in the tires, brakes and chain tightness.

Eggs were used to show the importance of helmets while riding bikes. Colassaco taped an egg inside of a bike helmet, and dropped the helmet to show students how the egg didn't crack. Later, students dropped unprotected eggs into a bucket to show what happens when not wearing a helmet.

"Always have a helmet on," Colassaco said. "That is the most important thing you can do when riding your bicycle."

Students were also told to wear bright colored clothing, ride on the sidewalks and not to wear headphones.

"Even on sidewalks, you have cars backing into driveways, and you have to cross the street to get to the other side of the sidewalk," Colassaco said. "You still have to watch for cars, and wearing bright clothing can help them see you. Don't wear headphones so you can hear cars in case they don't see you."

Each student was presented with a bike helmet, and Colassaco will speak to third grade students at Hurley today about bike safety.

"The most important thing is your safety," Colassaco said. "Make sure to wear your helmet, and stay safe while riding."