They see me rollin'... Bike safety

In April, I noticed the entire student body congregated at the bike park at the end of recess. It was a little odd, so I went outside to check out the shenanigans. As usual, I sported my cool sunglasses. The kids often yell “Kakoi!!” (“Cool?!”) and enjoy trying them on.

So, the kids were all in their bright blue gym uniforms and were perched upon their bikes. They also wore their identical white bike helmets, and waited in orderly lines.

Apparently, we were going to spend the afternoon learning about bike safety. They were being tested on their ability to safely navigate their way around the surrounding roads and rice paddies. One by one, they set off on a course around the neighbourhood as the teachers kept a watchful eye.

After all 275 students finished the quick ride, we all retreated to the dusty soccer pitch at the back of our school. (The kids sat down on the pitch, in their straight lines, as per usual). Three safety officers gave us a little presentation on the importance of bike safety.

I think it’s interesting how all of this is unfamiliar territory to me. Growing up, all of my schools were at least a 10-minute drive from my place. Like most students, I took the yellow school bus. In high school and university, I took public transportation (ie. the city buses) or I drove.

Here in Japan, I am fortunate enough to live near my base school. It’s a 7-minute walk, or a one-minute drive. Now that I have a car, I always drive to school – those extra six minutes in the morning are really nice. But I do miss the walks to school, because I can meet and greet my students along the way.

When I used to walk to school, I'd hear a steady chorus of "Herro!" or "Good morning, Gemma-sensei" as the kids zoomed past me on their bikes. Maybe I'll start the walking trend again this summer. But probably not, because it's not fun sweating in the ridiculous humidity here.

Stranger danger

It seemed like an average work day in May when the men in my staffroom had their eyes on the clock. Armed with broomsticks and the like, they waited for the clock to strike three. I stood with them, but without any “weapon.” I really had no idea what was expected of me.

It was “Stranger Awareness Day" at Nichu. We spent the afternoon teaching students the importance of protecting yourself from strangers. But as per usual, I have discovered that the Japanese take it to another level.

When I was a kid, I think we popped in a safety video and watched it together. Some years, we had a policeman come in and make a special appearance. He’d warn us to never enter suspicious vehicles or talk to strangers. In my neighbourhood, we were told to avoid the “white van” that grabbed kids off sidewalks.

But I digress.

There was a strange man who was running up and down the Nichu hallways while yelling. I figured he was the dude posing as the “stranger” entering the school. Y-sensei, who was clutching his wooden kendo sword, looked over and kindly said: “Gemma-sensei… PLEASE ESCAPE NOW!!!”

So, I shuffled my way to the gym. Kids started filtering in a few minutes later. Then, the teachers ran in. Some of them were actually panting, so I’m guessing they legitimately chased the stranger with their kendo swords and broomsticks.

The school also has a special “stranger prod.” It is an eight-foot metal stick with a U-shaped end. Do they grab the stranger by the waist, and then push him out the front entrance? I wish I stuck around to see that comedic performance.


Stay alert, stay safe.