Front Row Seat

Front Row Seat
Fireworks tonight at 9:45 on TV-4

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Bike Bandit Steals From Kids

22 Bikes Stolen From School Safety Program

POSTED: 5:31 p.m. EST November 24, 2003

Someone who stole more than 20 bicycles used for safety training in Duval County schools has yet to be caught.

Over the weekend, a thief broke into one of the bike trailers and stole 22 bikes. The bikes are used in area schools to teach kids how to ride safely.

Paul Streeter

For Paul Streeter, the man responsible for getting bikes to the schools, this theft made his job more difficult.

"They're creating a lot more damage than just stealing a bike. They're affecting possibly the kids' lives. I mean, the kid who won't get this instruction may get hit by a car," said Streeter (pictured, left).

Third-grader Dakota Young is proof that the instruction works. He said the program has helped him from getting hit.

"It helps me anywhere on a bike," said Young.

Teachers said the program is not only educational, but fun for students.

Kids Riding Bikes

"They love it, they can't wait. ... They ask us every day, 'Are we on bikes today?'" said Darnell Cookman physical education teacher Shannon McGlynn.

The district did recover about three of the bikes in some woods. The stolen bikes had their decals removed so they wouldn't be identified. The theory is that the bikes are resold -- usually for less than they're worth.

The school board must decide if the bikes will be replaced through donations or otherwise. The program is funded through a grant and the money is not used to replace bikes.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Staging is vitally important when selling your home. These helpful hints will turn your problem rooms into buyer bait. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Everyone is trying to save a little cash these days, and one way to do it is by having an easy to insure car. Check out 20 cars that can save you money. More

Most Popular