Bike Ed Song

BIKE-ED SONG: Classroom Activities

[From A DELIGHTFUL DOZEN 1988]

THEMES: Transport; Recreation; Bike-Education; General Safety and/or specifically Road Safety!

THE SONG:

Used mainly in conjunction with a Bike Education­ Course, the song covers the mode of transport children are most familiar with and have the access to. It is viewed as a fun machine, even exciting as in B.M.X. racing and touring. But in its use on the roads, bike riders must follow a set of rules and regulations. The song emphasises the safety of the rider and others using the road. It stresses “using your head!” and obey­ing the road.

ACTIVITIES:

Drama/Music: Singing and movement exercise to establish a beat. Children love to “Let loose” in the chorus of this song, almost belting it out like they were pumping the pedals of a bike. In the junior classes, stomping the feet in time with the words of the chorus may be appropriate! (Don’t forget the ear-plugs!!)

Physical Education: Orienteering on a bike. Given a map appropriate and a known destination, let the children (in groups of 4) decide on their own route. Make sure that the direct way has the most hazards (i.e. steep hills or traffic situations). 0bviously, adult supervision is a must for every group.

Language:  Adverbs & Adjectives

  • Think of words which describe riding as fast as you can down a steep slope! (If they have not done this yet, find a big slope and ask them again after they have experienced it firsthand!)
  • List words which describe going up the other side!
  • List words which describe going over a B.M.X. jump!

Maths: Time Trial around local B.M.X. track or lay a skills track with ground markers. Tasks may involve:

  1. Designing the track
  2. Recording times & statistics
  3. Taking part
  4. Graphical representation of stats drawing conclusions from results.

There were many other sources of activities like these in the old Road Traffic Commission “Streets Ahead” Kit. An excellent resource!

Song Lyrics:

The Bike Ed Song

Verse 1

Hit the road                                       Travel the highway

Moving along                                    Exploring the by-ways

Seeing the world                               Moving right on by,

God’s Creation                                  Discovering it my way, …

CHORUS

On my bike I travel the road,

But be careful,

Always follow the road code.

Verse 2

Ride on the bike tracks,                      B – M – X – too!

Race ’em, chase ’em,                         Jump ’em, but don’t be a fool.

When on the road                               Don’t ride it the same,

Watch those signs, obey the rules,     This is the survival game.

Chorus

Verse 3

Stop at a Stop Sign,                             Give way at the same,

Ride in the bike lane,                            Remember the rules of t his game.

There are cars on the road                   Trucks and buses too!

Remember it’s dangerous                     If  you don’t follow the road rules.

Chorus  

Mark Bainbridge © 


SAMPLE

  • Mark Bainbridge
  • Bike-ed Song

 


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