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What would you have done if you saw a little kid riding a bike on the sidewalk very inappropriately under dressed for the weather?

Asked by Dutchess_III (46812points) November 20th, 2011

This just happened to me. I was driving down a residential street. He looked to be 5, may 6. I saw him and thought, “Gee. He’s awfully young to be riding around here by himself.” But he did something so many kids don’t do—he actually dismounted at the intersection, checking traffic, so I stopped to let him cross. He carefully checked the other direction before he ran the bike across the street. Too many kids don’t do that…they just barrel out into the street, so I was please that someone had obviously taught the child basic bike safety, even if he did RUN the bike across.

He crossed. As I started forward I glanced at him again and did a double take. It suddenly hit me…all he had on was shorts, and T-shirt and flip flops…AND IT’S 33 FREAKIN’ DEGREES OUTSIDE!

He was just a little guy, not dressed for freezing weather in any way, shape or form, peddling this bike down the sidewalk.

I pulled over and called 911. When I told the dispatcher she gave a startled, “OH!!” and reacted so fast she didn’t bother to get my name or verify the number…..

As a drove away I wondered if I should have gotten out and wrapped my coat around him? Should I have followed him further? Should I have…should I have…..should I have…?
What would you guys have done?

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