Maxwell's Bike Training

Here in Germany (or Europe for that matter) bicycling is very popular. The people believe that biking is a really good sport to get exercise, it's very affordable because you don't pay a tax, insurance or need gas like a car. The bike is also good for the environment because it doesn't make noise or release harmful fumes. With a bike you can drive short distances faster than you can in a car, they are more maneuverable, easier to park and you don't sit in traffic.

All the 4th grade students in Germany have bicycle safety training with the local police for a few weeks. They learn the parts of a bike, how to control a bike (driving straight, braking, and turning), how the helmet should fit, what the bike needs (reflectors, lights, brakes, bell, etc.), and what they should wear when driving in the dark. They also learn the road signs, how to turn left and right, hand signals, and the most important rules of the road. They practice with the police and teachers for a few weeks and then they take a two-part test. There's a written test and then there's a driving test on the street. Me and another mom was asked to help with the driving test where we each stood on a corner to check that the kids did what they were suppose to do when they came by and mark off points if they missed something or did something wrong. Once they pass the test the police gives them a bike pass - that means they are allowed to drive on the street alone without parents. They all passed! Here's some pics from the driving test.

Here they come...

making a left turn

making a right turn

Good job, Max!