Keep your kids safe
Here is something important for you to consider now that we are well into summer — teach your kids to be smart about riding their bikes. Teach them to stop at stop signs, look both ways entering an intersection, slow down, pay attention, and be aware of what is behind them.
Elsewhere in this newspaper is a letter to the editor from Susie Schmidt who watched in horror this past weekend as a boy on a bicycle nearly got hit as he sailed through the intersection at Third and Walnut streets. Also in this issue is a plea from Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke to parents of children who use their bikes to get to and from the pool, the library, the parks, and playgrounds. Burke was made aware of the same incident Schmidt saw. Needless to say, both adults were shaken by the close call.
We have lived on Walnut Street for 30 years and have observed the same kind of casual behavior exhibited by drivers, bike riders, stroller pushers, walkers, and joggers. We have, over the years, called police frequently and signed complaints on occasion. Someone usually ends up mad and all huffy for several months. Tough.
Of course, this kind of thing does not just happen on Walnut. It happens everywhere.
Drivers, be careful when you are around kids on their bikes. Realize they probably are not thinking of YOU. Slow down. Kids, watch for traffic. Pay attention to what is around you. Don't think every driver knows you are there
Re-read the last paragraph of Schmidt's letter. It is chilling, as it should be. We have been lucky in Peabody. Let's keep it that way.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
