A Bike Bus is a group of kids and families riding to school together, with adult volunteers riding along for support. Most take a few weeks to set up, and once they're rolling, they mostly run themselves. Here's how to start one, in four steps — plus what to do when things don't go as planned.

Not ready to start yet? Sign up for updates and we'll send you stories, tips. and a nudge when you're ready.

How to Start a Bike Bus

Download Presentation Slides

STEP 1: BUILD YOUR TEAM

  • Recruit one or two co-organizers — other parents, a teacher or school staff. You don't have to do this alone, and it's more fun with company.

  • Pick one way to reach your volunteer team — a group text, WhatsApp, or email all work. 

  • Find admin and parents who can help spread the word through newsletters and parent group chats.

  • Walk your volunteer team through roles: who rides front, who rides back, who handles a flat tire or a kid who needs to stop and any tricky intersections that need special attention. Share this short training video on Volunteers.

  • Aim for at least two adult volunteers per ride if you can, one at the front and one at the back. One adult can run a ride too, but two makes stops and stragglers much easier to manage. Additional adults can assist with traffic safety.

STEP 2: PLAN YOUR ROUTE

  • Most Bike Bus routes run 0.5 to 3 miles. Start shorter than you think you need to — you can always extend it later.

  • Look for residential streets with light traffic and controlled intersections. They're easier to ride and easier to manage as a group than busier roads.  

  • Plan for a comfortable group pace of about 5–8 mph, and plan to arrive  10 minutes before school starts to avoid the school drop off rush.

  • Your route doesn't have to reach every student's house, and it doesn't have to be the only Bike Bus at your school. Start with what's realistic for your group — others can join partway, or start a second route of their own. 

STEP 3: PROMOTE YOUR RIDE

  • Make a flyer with your route, meeting point, and start time.

  • Ask your school to share it through newsletters and parent communication channels.

  • Talk to families in person — at drop-off, at school events, wherever parents already gather. A conversation does more than a flyer in the newsletter.

  • Register your ride with Bike Bus World so we can help spread the word and connect you with other organizers near you.

STEP 4: RIDE AND SHARE!

  • Arrive early & greet families and kids

  • Remind kids of the rules of the Bike Bus - staying behind the leader, riding in a straight line, riding on the correct side of the road. Share this video with your riders ahead of time. 

  • Encourage parents of newer riders to ride next to their children on the traffic side. 

  • Make it fun by playing music! Access the Official Bike Bus World Spotify Playlist.

  • Take pictures and video, and add @BikeBusWorld as a collaborator or tag — we love sharing what your community is building.