"BICYCLING FOR COMPLETE SAFETY" 1940s BIKE RIDING EDUCATIONAL FILM FOR CHILDREN 49124

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This film "Bicycling for Complete Safety" (1939) emphasizes the critical importance of safety for children, particularly in urban areas where they play, go to school, and use public roads. It highlights the role of police officers as allies in promoting safety and encourages children to view them as friends. A major focus is placed on bicycle safety—while riding is healthy and beneficial, it can also be dangerous if rules aren’t followed. Through examples of careless and responsible behavior, the video teaches children proper biking practices: keeping hands on handlebars, obeying traffic signals, using lights and horns, and maintaining their bicycles. The message encourages kids to be alert, follow traffic laws, and cooperate with authorities to ensure they return home safely every day and grow into responsible adults.

0:00 – A police officer speaks to the viewer about safety. The importance of safety is introduced, especially for children in urban environments, at play, school, and on roads.

0:30 – Emphasis on preventing tragedies among children through cooperation between authorities and youth. A boy, named Bobby, rides a bike without holding the handlebars and gets hit by a car. The body of the Bobby lays under a car. The boy is in the hospital laying on a stretcher, injured. Bobby rides a bike the correct way this time, both hands on the wheel. He slams on his brakes when a car door opens.

1:05 – Police officers are framed as allies and protectors of children; children are urged to listen to safety guidance.

1:54 – Bicycle safety is introduced as a major concern due to the risks involved despite its health and practical benefits.

2:23 – A cautionary tale: a boy riding without hands and eating popcorn crashes—highlighting the dangers of careless riding.

3:08 – Contrast between reckless and responsible behavior: Bobby demonstrates correct, attentive cycling practices.

3:33 – Bobby stops at a crossing; a motorist doesn’t—reinforcing the need for caution and proper braking. A boy works on his bike as its upside down, others watch including a cop. A police officer helps work on and fix the bike

4:01 – Unsafe practices like curb jumping are discouraged in favor of safer, more predictable riding.

4:22 – Riding on sidewalks is discouraged; police enforce rules, and the boy shown feels guilty, learning a lesson.

4:53 – Police support is highlighted again—good relationships and proper behavior earn respect and protection.

5:08 – Dangerous tricks like weaving through traffic are shown as unsafe and better done in parks.

5:35 – Riding unpredictably without signaling is criticized; cyclists should signal turns for safety.

5:52 – Safety equipment (horns, lights) is recommended, especially for night riding.

6:21 – Bicycle maintenance is emphasized—working lights, brakes, and pedals are essential.

6:53 – Youths are shown cooperating with police, displaying license numbers, and attending safety meetings.

7:29 – Officers teach traffic rules and safe riding habits, including proper signaling and awareness of others.

8:02 – Encouragement to always follow rules and stay cautious; safety now leads to a bright future.
A boy rides and uses his signals. A boy, now grown, shows up to visit his parents with his wife and child. Close on the child's face.

8:36 – Final message: growing into responsible, healthy adults starts with making safe choices today.


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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com