On the pedal: One of the most popular vehicles is bicycle, or bike.

CEBU, Philippines - It was first introduced in Europe during the 19th century. This two-wheeled mode of transportation has a rich history of model types and design innovations which starts from the enlarged front wheel velocipede to the high wheeler; utility bikes to modern BMX bikes used in extreme sports.

Bikes are used for different purposes, where each kind is designed for a specific purpose: work (mail delivery), transportation/commuting, sports (racing), recreation/fitness (mountain biking, BMX), among others.

A kid first learns how to ride a bike from someone who is older than him/her; perhaps a parent or an older sibling. A kid’s bicycle usually has training wheels attached to the rear wheel to aid the child in getting used to cycling – pedaling, steering and balancing. As soon as a child gets confidence in maneuvering his/her bike, the training wheels are unscrewed and the adult checks if the child is ready to pedal all by himself.

The school year is almost over and perhaps mom/dad is planning to buy you a bicycle for summer. Here are a few safety tips from the father of vehicular cycling, John Forester:

1. Use the correct half of the road, and not the sidewalk .

2. Yield  to other traffic, as required.

3. Yield when moving laterally across the road.

4. Choose the correct lane and position within the lane at intersections and their approaches, based on your destination. For example, a cyclist planning to go straight through an intersection should avoid getting stuck in a right-turn-only lane, where it is easy to get clobbered by a right-turning car; a cyclist in a through-traffic lane may get a few surprised looks but will probably not get hit. Choosing the correct lane and position often involves taking the lane  when the lane is not wide enough for a car and a bike, side by side.

5. Between intersections, move away from the curb based on speed relative to other traffic and effective lane width.

Adult supervision is still highly recommended. Be safe, kids!

Zoo Games

Discover firsthand what it’s like to be a junior zoo keeper on Discovery Kid’s all new, locally produced wildlife-based series ADVENTURE 8: ZOO GAMES! Packed with animal interactivity and the wildest game challenges, this energetic series gives eight young intrepid explorers between the ages of six and 12, the ‘Adventure 8’, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with the resident animals and keepers. These lucky young adventurers are also given rare access to work and play at one of the world’s most renowned zoos – the Singapore Zoo as well as the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park.  Tune into the zany zoo games with multi-talented host Jamie Aditya and his wife, Nathalie Mercier when ADVENTURE 8: ZOO GAMES premieres daily at 7:30 p.m., starting Saturday, March 16. Encores daily at 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. starting, Sunday, March 17. (FREEMAN)