DON'T CROSS THIS GUARD BIKER USES IMAGE TO PROTECT KIDS.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

SAUGUS - He's a traffic stopper in more ways than one, his gleaming motorcycle catching the eyes of passing motorists and children on their way to school or work.

Larry Robeson is in his second semester of serving as a crossing guard at Ridgegrove Drive and Haskell Canyon Road in Saugus. The 47-year-old doesn't need a bright orange vest to attract attention. His leathers decked out with American flags and motorcycle club insignia are enough to ensure the safety of his charges en route to Rosedell Elementary School.

``They love it,'' he said, referring to his nontraditional garb. ``People always wave, even people who aren't driving their kids to school. The little ones yell, 'Hey, Biker Dude!' and I love it.''

His trimmed beard and easy smile welcome a closer look that takes in a skull-bedecked do-rag, double silver loop earrings and a plethora of pins from charity rides that belie his weekend pastime. As a member of the American Cruisers motorcycle club, he and several other riders raise funds to help victims of domestic violence, provide children with toys at the holidays and support causes such as the Downed Officer Support Ride.

Robeson took the crossing guard job on the advice of his therapist, who said working outdoors with people might help combat depression that was setting in after a debilitating stomach ailment. A former hazardous-materials cleanup worker, Robeson is used to mopping up oil spills and securing radiation leaks, but says his neighborhood corner is a dangerous place as well.

``This corner is crazy - there were two accidents here this morning,'' he said, shaking his head. ``People (are) not paying attention.''

He said he'd almost been hit by a few vehicles and remembers pushing a child out of the way of an oncoming car once.

``I'm here to make sure the kids are safe,'' he said, noting that neighbors seem to appreciate his work by doing little favors such as bringing him ice water on hot afternoons. ``Even though the drivers around here are a little crazy, the people in the area are very nice.''

Born in the San Joaquin Valley town of Riverdale, Robeson spent 6 1/2 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a combat engineer during the cleanup of Vietnam. In his younger days, he says, he worked the rodeo circuit as a bulldogger, wrestling steers.

His ride, a V-Star Yamaha 650, is parked on the sidewalk while Robeson wields his octagon sign at drivers on busy Haskell Canyon. After 20 years of working long hours in stressful situations, Robeson said, he appreciates the part-time change and the people he gets to see every day on the street.

After the morning rush, he put on his helmet and prepared to head home for a break before his after-school duties. ``The best thing I ever did was buy this motorcycle,'' he said, waving goodbye.

Carol Rock, [phone]

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

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7 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color in SAC edition only) ``Biker Dude'' Larry Robeson waits for kids to cross at the intersection of Ridgegrove Drive and Haskell Canyon Road.

(2 -- 3 -- color -- ran in SAC edition only) Crossing guard Larry Robeson, above, stops traffic, literally and figuratively, to protect kids. At left are some of the pins that decorate his leathers.

(4) Larry Robeson, in beard, shades and do-rag, cuts an imposing figure as he dons a crossing guard vest to help kids safely cross the street.

(5 -- 7) Larry Robeson, clockwise from top left, in beard, shades and do-rag, cuts an imposing figure as he, top right, dons a crossing guard vest to help kids safely cross the street. His biker aura includes a rose tattoo on his left forearm, below; his leather, left, lying on his motorcycle; and his bike name, which is ``LarDog.''

David Crane/Staff Photographer