Second graders gain from bicycle safety session

    Second graders at Chase County Schools enjoyed great weather for their bicycle safety day on Friday.
    CCS teacher Mark Bottom and Sgt. Chad Ostmeyer of the Imperial Police Department each led a group of students for different sessions.
    Bottom led students on their bikes through cones practicing braking and figure eights.
    Ostmeyer talked to students about safety measures to remember while riding a bicycle. He also answered questions from the students.
    While the use of helmets is strongly advised, Nebraska has a no-helmet law, meaning it is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation.
    Imperial police officers often stop youths who are riding their bikes with helmets on and give them an ice cream certificate to Sweden Cream to encourage the wearing of helmets.
    Jodie Schuller, elementary physical education teacher, as well as second grade teachers and aids, assisted Bottom and Ostmeyer in the event.
    Schuller said she’s always wanted to include a bike safety program into some of her P.E. classes, and after Bottom hosted one last year, she asked if he’d incorporate his program into last week’s class time.
    “The kids had a blast. It’s all about safety for them,” Schuller said.