Remember when kids used to walk to school, laughing and chatting along the way? These days, most are driven or take the bus. But bike buses are bringing that sense of fun and community back — with a two-wheeled upgrade! And they are making mornings more active, social, and exciting.
Unfortunately, cities are not very child-friendly for cycling. Riding with kids in low-cycling areas can be tough and requires confidence. Programs like Bike Bus, also known as Bike Train, aim to encourage kids to cycle to school and are gaining attention.
While bike buses aren’t new — they’ve been popular in Europe and the U.S. for years — with the first recorded one started in Brecht, Belgium, in 1998, according to the research group City Lab Barcelona. Bogotá, Colombia, took it to the next level in 2014 with a large network of more than 140 routes still running today. The idea made a big comeback in 2020, in cities like Barcelona, Spain, and inspiring others like Shawlands Bike Bus in Scotland, Alameda Bike Bus in Portland, and Bicibus Frankfurt in Germany, sparking even more bike buses worldwide.
Cycling to school also sharpens motor skills, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage socializing, better focus in class, learning traffic safety, cutting down on screen time, and maybe even sparking a lifelong love for biking.
Bike Bus groups are often started by parents and cycling fans, and starting one is easier than you’d think! Begin by reaching out to families through school newsletters, social media, or community groups. Plan a safe, kid-friendly route to school and set a schedule that works for everyone. Make sure to highlight safety — helmets and traffic rules are a must — and see if local authorities can lend a hand. Most importantly, keep it fun and inclusive so kids of all biking levels can join in and enjoy the ride!
City Lab Barcelona researchers say there are about 470 Bike Buses worldwide, getting around 32,000 kids to school each week — and the numbers are probably even higher. They surveyed 145 Bike Bus leaders and learned 94% see the Bike Bus as a form of activism, pushing for better road safety and transportation systems. Many parents become passionate about bike activism after experiencing the stress of riding with kids on unsafe streets.
The survey showed only 10% of participants would feel safe biking to school alone due to poor infrastructure, which explains why 37% of Bike Bus riders are parents. Sometimes, a simple solution from this Bike Bus group can go a long way in keeping kids safe on their ride to school.
The future of Bike Buses looks bright as more communities catch on to the idea. With growing awareness around safer streets and healthier lifestyles, these rolling groups could become a regular part of the school day in cities worldwide. And who knows, maybe we’ll see adults joining in on the fun and forming Bike Buses to commute to work as well!
