The Bike Light Test

Dylan wheels his bike into the school workshop. Leah is helping Mr Cole check the lights. Dylan presses the button on his rear light. Nothing happens. “It worked yesterday,” he says.

Leah looks at the red cover. It is clean and has no cracks. Mr Cole puts the bike on a stand. Dylan unclips the light, so they can look at it on the bench.

“Perhaps it needs a battery,” says Dylan. He asks before opening the case. Leah brings a small tray for the parts. They do not want the tiny cover screw to roll onto the floor.

Inside, one battery is the wrong way round. Mr Cole shows Dylan the marks in the case. Dylan turns the battery to match. Leah holds the tray steady while he puts the cover back.

Dylan presses the button again. The red light shines. He grins at Leah. “We did not need a new one!” he says. He checks that the cover is shut before clipping the light onto his bike.

Leah walks behind the bike. “I cannot see it well,” she says. Dylan's long coat is hanging over the seat. It covers the light. He folds his coat and puts it in his bag.

Now Leah can see the red light clearly. Mr Cole checks the front light too. Dylan writes a short reminder on a card: lights, brakes, tyres. He puts the card inside his bag.

Dylan thanks Leah before he leaves. He will check his bike again before his next ride. A light that turns on is useful, but a light people can see is better.