The arrival of summer brings with it more of our young people taking to the streets on bicycles. A reminder to parents that in New York State, all children ages 1-13 are required by law to wear helmets when riding.

Learning to ride a bicycle is a source of pride for most kids. Unfortunately, as bicycling becomes more popular, the number of bicycle-related injuries has also increased. According to the NYS Department of Health's latest statistics, each year "an average of 52 New Yorkers are killed in bicycle crashes. Nearly 2,200 are hospitalized. Of the hospitalizations, 38 percent involve brain injuries. Children, ages 5-19, are most at risk for being hospitalized for a bicycle-related injury...and more than 500,000 children go to hospital emergency departments or doctors' offices because they were in bicycle crashes."

These are startling statistics. Bicycle injuries can be prevented by promoting the use of bicycle helmets and by teaching bicycle safety. Parents can make a difference by promoting bicycle safety education. Parents can role model wearing a helmet when riding a bike and focusing on the following "Rules of the Road." Parents can make sure his/her child:

-Wears a properly fitting helmet, which is SNELL, ANSI or ASTM approved; these helmets have passed crash safety tests -look for a sticker inside the helmet;

-Has a bike in good working order with the right accessories;

-Rides only one person to a bike;

-Always rides with the traffic;

-Keeps to the right of the street; children under 16 years may ride on sidewalks;

-Obey all traffic lights and signs;

-Signal all turns;

-Use a horn or bell; and

-For nighttime riding, wear reflective clothing and make sure the bicycle has reflectors, a headlight and a taillight.

Also, note that any person skating or gliding on "in-line" skates (e.g., roller blades) and/or operating a two-wheeled vehicle (e.g., scooter) is required to wear a helmet meeting the above noted standards. Don't let you or your child become a statistic. Start practicing bicycle, skating and scooter safety today!

On Thursday, June 26, the Summer Playground Program kicked off another season of planned recreational activities for residents of all ages. Daily activities are held Monday through Friday at Edgemere, Grove, Hemlock Nassau Haven and Tullamore playgrounds. Children can enjoy organized softball games, basketball, nok-hockey, table golf, volleyball tennis, kickball and frisbee and many other games all supervised by playground staff. Also, for children in grades 1-6, an arts and crafts program is available in each playground from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. This program is an excellent recreational resource for residents and it's in your own backyard! Enjoy your parks this summer.

Compliments are due to the Recreation Department for arranging this season's outstanding Concert Series at the Village Gazebo, located on the Village Green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues.

This week's program is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, and will feature Buddy Merriam and Backroads - banjo and bluegrass.

The program will begin at 7:15 p.m.; admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.