Bike Bus

Bike Bus is a simple idea. Parent/carers who cycle to school with their children simply join up with others who do the same. They ride a route past the houses and flats of others, who join the ‘bus’ route as it passes. You don’t need any permission or particular leadership, just parents who want to do it. Cycling Citizens will happily advise based on our experiences so far.

In MK we piloted this in 2024 with a small grant from MK Community Foundation,

Cycling Citizens MK ran two ‘bike bus’ pilots at two MK primary schools, Bushfield and Two Mile Ash, from May to October 2024. The pilots were based on the FRideDays bike bus model developed by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres. Both pilots were launched by MK Mayor Marie Bradburn at the start of her ‘Year of Cycling‘.

Over 12 weeks, a total of 67 primary pupils (15 Bushfield and 52 Two Mile Ash) and seven parent volunteers participated. A survey of 9 parents, whose children had participated, yielded the following ratings:

  • My child enjoyed taking part in the bike bus – 100%
  • My child’s cycling confidence grew from taking part in the bike bus – 93%
  • I am more confident about my child cycling to school alone – 89%
  • I am more likely to cycle myself because of the school’s cycling initiatives – 67%.

They ranked the main benefits of children cycling to school as:

  • 1st: Healthy
  • 2nd: Independence
  • 3rd: Good for concentration in school.

Parents’ comments:

  • “It was lovely to see my child so happy on a Friday morning”
  • “My daughter really enjoyed the Friday morning rides. It was the only day she leapt out of bed. It really boosted her confidence on her bike.”
  • “I still wouldn’t let my children cycle alone but am happy for them to cycle with the bike bus.”
  • “Great initiative, let’s hope you can run more at other schools”

If you are a parent/carer who would like to join one of these bike pilots, or volunteer to be part of one at your child’s school, please contact Cycling Organiser Tom Bulman, tel 07962 838685.

News

We hope bike buses will start to roll in more MK primary schools in March 2025. To find out more, and/or involve your school, contact cyclingmk@citizensuk.org, tel 07962 838685.