Students over 12 in
Shanghai will not be allowed to go to school by bicycle without a
license.
Nine Shanghai middle school students took a bicycle riding
license test on Tuesday. Two of them failed. This special new test
will apply to Luwan district in Shanghai. Students over 12 will not
be allowed to go to school by bicycle without a license. Several
Shanghai media reported the news on Wednesday.
Around the campus of Zhongshan School in Shanghai's Luwan
district, traffic lights, signposts and other traffic symbols were
placed near and far in order to build a simulation road
environment. There was also a motor vehicle lane and a bicycle and
pedicab lane. A total of 9 seventh graders of Zhongshan School were
tested by traffic police officers of Luwan district.
According to the teaching director of ZhongShan School, to
obtain a "license," students must pass five different tests on
traffic regulations, distinguishing right or wrong,
self-protection, riding manners and riding skill. They will then
qualify for a "bicycle appraisal certificate" and ride to
school.
All of the 9 passed the first four tests, but were not very used
to the expectations for the riding skills. Two testers failed.
One of the failed students said he used to ride extremely fast
in order to be more macho, but his failure reminded him of the
importance of safety.
Cha Anqi, an eligible participant, said she felt more confident
after passing the test.
Most parents supported this test. Mrs. Li is always worried
about her child's safety because the child hasn't received any
formal training in riding a bicycle. Safety education in practice
at may relieve parents' anxieties.
Each year, more than 16,000 primary and middle school students
die from non-natural causes, with traffic accidents ranking third.
This test may reduce traffic accidents, said Wang Suyun, a traffic
policewoman of Luwan district.
A student has got his
license after passing the bicycle riding license
test.
(CRI November 23, 2006)
