What is a bike bus: How do you set one up?

The concept of a bike bus: 

A bike bus is essentially a group of cyclists travelling together in a line, similar to a traditional bus, with adults leading at the front and supporting from the back. It offers several advantages, such as increased visibility on the road, improved safety for cyclists, reduced traffic congestion, and, of course, a sense of community. 

A bike bus for school is great as it is timetabled and a brilliant way of getting some fresh air for kids. It offers a chance for children to get on and hop off when they need to, making the journey fun with friends.

The benefits of a bike bus: 

The bike bus instils a love for cycling, contributing to overall health and well-being. There are plenty of benefits for children:

• Helps kids start their day off on a positive note
• Helps kids understand the enjoyment of exercise
• Helps connect communities
• Helps reduce traffic congestion
• Helps teach kids about protecting the environment and reducing emissions
• Helps teach kids about road safety
• Helps kids work as a team
• Helps kids feel responsible

Define the purpose and the route:

Before you start organising a bike bus, clearly define its purpose and the route it will take. Having a clear goal will help attract participants. Planning a route to school should ensure there are multiple bike stops and be mindful of kerbs, uneven surfaces and potholes. It’s best to test-ride the route before you introduce it to children.

Plan your route >>

Legal considerations:

Ensure that your bike bus complies with local traffic laws and regulations. Consider obtaining necessary permits or permissions from relevant authorities, especially if your route involves roads with heavy traffic. Take a look at FRideDays bike bus training for more information.

Take a look at the Sustrans toolkit >>

Safety first:

Emphasise safety for all participants. Encourage the use of helmets, reflective gear, and lights. Establish rules for riding etiquette and traffic signals, and make sure all participants know them. Also, keep your route child-friendly, between 1-3 miles avoiding busy roads.

Communication channels:

Set up effective communication channels with parents to keep participants informed about routes, meeting points, and any changes. Social media groups, messaging apps, posters at school and email lists can be used for this purpose. You could send flyers out to your communication groups. 

Recruitment of adult volunteers:

Spread the word about your bike bus to recruit interested cyclists, such as teachers and parents of school children. Utilise school social media platforms, and school community boards to reach potential participants. Highlight the environmental and health benefits of biking together. Click here to download a bike bus poster to help spread the word >>

Designated meeting points:

Choose convenient and safe meeting points for participants to gather before starting the ride. Having a designated starting and ending point will make coordination easier.

Leadership and roles:

Assign roles within the bike bus, such as a ride leader, sweep (to ensure no one is left behind), and communication coordinator. This helps maintain order and ensures everyone has a positive experience.

Promote sustainability:

Emphasise the environmental benefits of biking and encourage participants to adopt eco-friendly practices. Consider partnering with local businesses to promote sustainable initiatives.

Celebrate milestones:

Recognise and celebrate milestones, such as the number of rides completed, total distance covered, or any positive impact on the community. Giving certificates to kids is a great idea. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and strengthens the bike bus community.  Download the printable Frog certificates here >>

Feedback loop:

Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve the bike bus experience. Encourage participants to share their thoughts and suggestions for enhancements.