Photo courtesy of Bike Pittsburgh

Are you looking for a fun way to get kids to school while reducing traffic congestion? Starting a bike bus might be the perfect solution. With funding from PeopleForBikes, Bike Pittsburgh created a valuable Bike Bus Guide that empowers communities in Pittsburgh and beyond to implement bike buses and promote biking with students.

What is a Bike Bus?

A bike bus is a coordinated group ride where children bike to school together under adult supervision. These rides help reduce traffic, build community, and give kids a healthy, active start to their day.

Although already popular throughout the world, the bike bus movement really gained momentum in the U.S. after the Alameda Bike Bus in Portland, Oregon, was featured on NBC Nightly News in 2022. The popularity of the bike bus even inspired a state bill to provide school districts across Oregon with funding flexibility to support bike buses and walking school buses. Sam Balto, who started the Alameda Bike Bus, has since launched Bike Bus World to help other communities launch their own bike buses. 

“After leading my first bike bus in Portland and seeing the joy it sparked — not just in kids, but in parents, neighbors, and school staff — I knew this wasn’t just a local idea,” says Balto. “As videos of our bike buses spread online, I started getting messages from people all over the country asking how they could start one too. That’s when it clicked: this movement wasn’t just about bikes — it was about reimagining how communities connect and how kids get to school. Bike Bus World was born out of that realization: people needed inspiration, tools, and support to make it happen where they live.”

How to Start Your Own Bike Bus

Bike Pittsburgh’s guide walks families and schools through every step of launching a successful bike bus:

1. Define Your Goals
Specify your reasons for starting a bike bus. Whether your goal is to reduce traffic congestion at school drop-offs and pick-ups, encourage physical activity, or bring families in your community together, a clear purpose will help you shape your messaging, stay on track, and get more people on board.

2. Build a Team of Volunteers
Parents and other adults are essential for organizing, guiding, and keeping the bike bus running safely and smoothly.

3. Plan a Safe and Simple Route
Choose a safe, comfortable route with designated stops for riders to join in along the way.

4. Create a Consistent Schedule
Decide how often the bike bus will run — daily, weekly, or seasonally — and stick to it. Regular rides keep kids engaged and excited.

5. Put Safety First
Assign roles for ride leaders, rear “cabooses,” and intersection helpers who can help manage the group and keep all riders safe.

6. Work with School Leadership
Connect with your school’s administration to discuss logistics and liability. 

7. Spread the Word
Promote your bike bus through school newsletters, social media, flyers, and PTA meetings. The more visibility you get, the more kids will want to join in on the fun.

“We’ve seen a great desire from parents to bike to school with their kids — whether to replace cars and buses or simply for the joy of it,” says Edward King-Smith, education manager at BikePGH. “But many parents have felt overwhelmed by the logistical and administrative challenges involved. Our goal was to simplify the process and provide support, encouragement, and supplies to help parents take the first steps to mobilize their community for a greener, funner commute to school.”

If a parent or teacher is hesitant about starting a bike bus, Balto’s advice is simple: start small. “You don’t need a parade of bikes or a perfect plan — just a few kids and one adult can make a huge difference,” he says. While it might feel a little messy or awkward at first, that’s all part of the process. “Leading a bike bus isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up and modeling joy, independence, and community for our kids. Once people see it in action, they want to be part of it.”

If you’re ready to launch a bike bus in your community, start by exploring Bike Pittsburgh’s Bike Bus Guide and check out Bike Bus World for more resources. With the proper planning and support, you can help kids get to school in a fun, safe, and healthy way.