askMO: Could a Bike Bus Work for Your Family?

hey MO: I’m starting a new job in October, and I won’t be able to take my 8-year-old to school anymore. I looked into taking the yellow school bus, but we don’t live far enough from her school to qualify. My neighbor’s sister suggested a bike bus, but I have no idea what that is. If I can avoid it, I would prefer not to ask my mom to take on the extra responsibility. Can you help?

hey you: A bike bus could be an option, but it may take some work to make it fit your family’s needs. Bike buses are quickly becoming a preferred way for children to get to school. A 2024 study identified 431 bike buses around the world, carrying more than 35,000 children to school each week. In NYC, seven bike bus routes are currently listed on BikeBus.nyc.

A bike bus is a group of children who ride to school together along a planned route, accompanied by adults. Instead of relying on a parent or another trusted adult for the entire trip, your daughter could ride to school with other children and adults while learning the route.

Bike buses are organized locally, so start by asking your child’s school or parent association: “Is there a bike bus to our school?” You can also visit BikeBus.nyc to find existing routes or learn how to start one. The site offers helpful resources for parents and communities interested in organizing a bike bus.

Keep in mind that a bike bus may not cover every school day or the trip home. Many run just once a week, so you’ll need a plan for the other days and for getting your daughter home after school. If there isn’t a bike bus that fits your schedule, you could work with the school staff, other parents, or bike bus leaders to create one that does.

Here is a short list of helpful resources: BikeBus.nyc: Find listed NYC bike buses, resources, or learn how to start one. Bike Buses Around the World: What Research Says (report synopsis) NYC Public Schools: Transportation Eligibility NYC Public Schools: Safe Travel Tips NYC DOT: School Safety, Slow Zones, and More

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