On Tuesday, the time had come once again: the fourth-graders from Hennickendorf primary school "Am Stienitzsee" completedthis year's cycling safety test. Of course, they practised diligently beforehand: they worked on questionnaires forwards and backwards for the theory, rode laps on a practice course, walked the route of the test and talked through various possible situations.
The final hurdle had to be overcome on the morning of the test ride, as anyone without a roadworthy bike was not allowed to take part. Fortunately, all of the children's bikes were in perfectcondition.
As the excitement grew and the children reminded themselves again and again of the many rules and behaviours, the boys and girls were sent out on the route, one after the other. The route led from the school along Bahnhofstraße, turned into August-Bebel-Straße and continued along Klosterdorfer Straße into Herzfelder Straße and finally into Lichtenower Weg, back into Bahnhofstraße, over the roundabout at Kirchplatz, into Strausberger Straße and then back into Bahnhofstraße and back to the school.
On this convoluted course, the children had to demonstrate their safety in applying the correct behaviour in road traffic. This includes looking over the shoulder and hand signals as well as knowing the road signs and dismounting or pushing if the situation is unclear or confusing. Dismounting and waitingis also a sign of safety - which is most important for the youngest children - and therefore never a mistakeler.
Mr Scheller and his colleagues from the police were supported by marshals made up of parents and grandparents from the two fourth classes.
At the end of the day, all the children were smiling as much as the sun that had been shining all day: everyone passed. Congratulations! A huge thank you to the hard-working helpers who supported everyone both before and during the trip.
Stephan Dreyse PHOTO: sD/Petra Dreyse