This afternoon we were witness to two children riding bicycles on and off the sidewalks, weaving in and out of traffic. Three thoughts quickly came to mind. The first cannot printed for obvious reasons.

Second, drivers must be especially alert in the early mornings and mid-afternoons now that school’s back in session. Unless a median is in place, when the bus driver puts out the STOP sign, you’d best heed that notice. At best, bypassing them could earn you either an expensive fine should the driver report your license plate. At worst, you could strike, injure or kill a child. Money won’t be of much use then.

We’ve been asked to remind drivers that turn lanes – such as those on Holland Road and Route 460 – are not medians. Specifically, a median is defined as a mid-road island of grass or concrete with a curb.

Driving demands your full attention. Yapping on the cell phone, applying makeup or eating French fries while behind the wheel is just asking for trouble. Evelyn Wall, staff writer and columnist, makes a point on this page in a related column that, &uot;if you choose the behavior, be prepared to accept the consequences.&uot;

Third, our warnings go both ways. Parents have an obligation to teach and strongly impress on their children the importance of knowing the rules of the road, especially when it comes to bicycling. Bicycles are considered vehicles and are to stay on the roads and off the sidewalks where pedestrians travel.

The child who defies such rules is asking not merely for trouble from the law, but more likely injury or death. Apologies won’t be of much use then.