There are now very few bicycles parked in the bicycle parking area designated by the school for students.

　　Recently, some citizens reported that a middle school in Jiaozhou sent text messages to parents, stipulating that students are not allowed to ride bicycles to and from school. This move immediately sparked heated discussions among citizens, with some in favor and some opposed. In response, the school principal stated that the school's "limitation on cycling" is actually an emergency measure to deal with slippery roads in snowy weather, and it does not mean that students will not be able to ride bicycles to and from school in the future. Out of consideration for student safety, the school advocates that students do not ride bicycles, and after New Year's Day, it will re-register students who need to ride bicycles to school. At the same time, it advocates that students avoid riding bicycles on roads with heavy traffic to prevent traffic accidents and alleviate traffic pressure.

　　 Parents are worried about the school's ban on cycling.

　　“A few days ago, my child's school suddenly banned bicycles from being ridden to school, which worried the child.” On the morning of January 4th, Mr. Zheng, a citizen of Jiaozhou, called the newspaper hotline 96663 to report that his child attends Jiaozhou No. 6 Middle School. Because the distance to the school is relatively far, the child's daily commute is by bicycle, which is very convenient and saves time. However, a few days ago, the school suddenly issued a notice stating that considering traffic safety issues, students should walk or take the bus to and from school.

　　Mr. Zheng told reporters that their home is about 5 kilometers from the school, and there is no bus service. If they walk, it will take at least 1 hour one way. “Our child has always listened to the teacher. Although the school only made a suggestion, the child put the electric bicycle at home the next day. For the two days before the New Year's Day holiday, I drove to send him, which was very troublesome.”

　　Like Mr. Zheng, many parents have expressed their incomprehension of the school's new regulations on online forums. “How many parents have cars to pick up and drop off their children, and how many children's homes have bus routes? How are those children who don't have cars or buses supposed to get to and from school?”

　　 Investigation: School bicycle parking areas are empty.

　　At around 12 noon on January 4th, the reporter came to the gate of Jiaozhou No. 6 Middle School. With the school bell ringing, a large number of students walked out of the school gate. The reporter noticed that none of the students who left rode bicycles. “It snowed heavily before New Year's Day, and the teacher said that it was slippery on snowy days, and it was easy to fall and have accidents while riding a bicycle.” During the interview, Xiao Gao, a second-year junior high school student, told the reporter that the school had banned bicycles from being ridden to and from school a few days before the New Year's Day holiday, mainly considering the slippery roads in snowy weather and that it was cold, and everyone was bundled up tightly when riding bicycles, affecting their judgment of road conditions.

　　“Look, the bicycle parking area is empty now!” A parent said that the southeast side of the school's courtyard wall is used for parking students' bicycles. In the past, the bicycles were always full, but now there are very few bicycles parked. The reporter saw that many student parents drove to pick up their children, and soon dozens of cars were parked on both sides of Luzhou Road in front of the school. “It's really a problem. I heard that a child was injured before, but the weather is really too cold, and there are few buses, so I pick up and drop off my child every day.” Said Mr. Zhao, a student's parent.

　　 Discussion: Some say it's for safety, others say it's simple and crude.

　　“Fuzhou South Road and Luzhou Road in front of the school are always blocked during school pick-up and drop-off times. For the sake of traffic and children's safety, I think this suggestion is quite good.” Ms. Liu, who came to pick up her child, expressed her support for the school's "limitation on cycling".

　　“Now children ride bicycles too fast, especially electric bicycles, which are very fast. Children like to ride in groups of three or five, chatting and playing while riding, which is very dangerous.” Mr. Zhao, a citizen, also supports the school's regulations.

　　Many parents and students also expressed their incomprehension of the school's approach. “The school is a little inconsiderate. After all, the situations of students are different. Some students live far from school and have no buses to take. Riding a bicycle is the only choice. The school's regulation is a bit simple and crude.” Said Ms. Qiu, a parent.

　　“The school's original intention should be for the good of the children, but the method is a bit simple and cannot take care of all students. It is estimated that further discussion will be needed later, and this may require coordination from the traffic department and the bus department.” Said Mr. Zhao, a parent in the education industry.

　　According to citizen reports and reporter observations, during the few days of the "limitation on cycling" in snowy weather, many students from the school were queuing at six nearby bus stops during the school dismissal period, and it was difficult to get on the bus for a while. Many students waited for nearly an hour before getting on the bus.

　　 Riding bicycles to school is "full of dangers".

　　Regarding the "limitation on cycling" that has been widely debated by students and parents, the reporter interviewed the relevant person in charge of the middle school. According to the school, in recent years, with the surge in cars and frequent accidents involving novice drivers, riding bicycles to school has changed from a way to exercise and be environmentally friendly to a dangerous activity. On December 28th and 29th, 2012, Jiaozhou urban area experienced continuous heavy snowfall, followed by cold weather and icy roads, which was particularly serious at the intersection of Fuzhou Road and Luzou Road east of Jiaozhou No. 6 Middle School. Many students riding bicycles were prone to slipping, and Fuzhou Road is the main road connecting the old and new urban areas of Jiaozhou, with heavy traffic, making traffic accidents very likely.

　　The school said that after careful consideration, a decision was made to advocate that students not ride bicycles to ensure the safety of students' travel, especially emphasizing not riding fast and powerful electric bicycles. This notice was sent to parents via text message. The school stated that the school does not prohibit students from riding bicycles to school. After the New Year's Day holiday, students who need to ride bicycles to school can apply to ride bicycles to school. For these students, the school suggests avoiding roads with heavy traffic, such as Fuzhou Road, when riding bicycles to prevent traffic accidents. At the same time, the school also advocates that parents try not to pick up and drop off their children to avoid traffic congestion.

　　 Traffic police suggest walking or taking the bus is best.

　　During the interview, a police officer from the Jiaozhou City Traffic Police Detachment told reporters that the traffic jam problem in this area is mainly concentrated during school dismissal time. Because of the school's special geographical location, Fuzhou Road and Changzhou Road nearby are two north-south main roads. Once it is school dismissal time, children riding bicycles home and vehicles will overlap, causing serious roadblocks. For this reason, seven traffic police officers directed traffic on the scene, but the effect was still not good.

　　“In fact, the school's actions are both a consideration for student safety and an attempt to alleviate traffic pressure around the school!” The police officer told reporters that they had previously handled accidents involving students being hit by vehicles, and the police also encourage students to choose other modes of transportation home, and it is best to walk or take the bus.

　　The police officer said that while solving congestion and hidden dangers, some new problems will also arise, such as buses not arriving on time, etc. This requires citizens and parents to provide more suggestions to relevant departments to jointly solve the problems of safe student travel and traffic congestion.