Join the Bike Bus Movement!

What’s a bike bus, you ask? Think of it as similar to a traditional school bus but without the exterior shell. Instead, imagine a large group of students, parents, and helpers riding bikes to school on a set schedule along a predetermined route.

The appeal of a well-organized group ride is clear; there’s power in numbers, especially when it comes to cycling with kids. And there’s real comfort riding alongside a whole “busload” of other cyclists all headed together on a common mission. But it’s more than just safely getting to school by bike. It’s about ditching the dreaded school car line and starting off each school day with a burst of joy. And it’s not just kids. Parents who are lucky enough to have gotten a taste of a bike bus rave about the freedom, camaraderie, and conversation.

As it stands today in the US, more kids than ever are carted off to school via private car, while the share of students arriving to school via bus, on foot, or by bike has dwindled. Sam Balto, co-founder of Bike Bus World, has seen firsthand how eager kids are for a different way to get to school. “You give kids an opportunity to be outside and be with their friends, no matter what the weather is, they want to do that. We just have to create opportunities.”

How to Start Your Own Bike Bus

Want to start a bike bus in your child’s school? Here’s how you go about being the change you wish to see in your own community:

Find Your Why

Whether you're getting more exercise, reducing your carbon footprint, eliminating the car dropoff, having more social time with other parents, or building a stronger community, there are plenty of reasons to consider starting a bike bus. Holding on to this core reason will help you get through the tougher days.

Build Your Team

With your “why” in mind, it helps to have a few co-organizers who share your interest and enthusiasm. Consider asking other cycling families or approaching other parents before or after school.

Brainstorm the Route

Start by mapping where biking families live using a tool such as Google My Maps or Strava Route Builder. Take note of nearby low-traffic residential streets, and make sure the route reaches close to participants' homes. Estimate the time needed to reach school, and aim for an easy cruising pace of 5–8 mph.

Test Ride the Route

Plan in reverse to set a start time accordingly. Be sure to account for arriving with time to lock up bikes and make it to class before the bell! It’s a good idea to do a “dry run” on a school day to test out the timing. Begin with a simple, once-weekly route to get organized, then expand as more families join.

Spread the Word

Once you have a route and a few other families on board, share your route information with anyone who might want to get involved. Fliers, emails, school bulletins, and of course, real-life conversations are all great tools. Be sure to include those who typically drive to school to ensure they feel welcome.

Want more information on starting your own bike bus? Click here to learn from the pros at Bike Bus World.

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Ride Together, Share the Joy

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