Large Number of Pupils Cycle to School as Part of Largest FRideDays Carpool on Bicycles
In an effort to promote active travel and reduce reliance on cars for school commutes, the FRideDays Bike Bus project is empowering school communities across the UK. The initiative, which is supported by Sustrans, a UK-based charity promoting sustainable transport, is aimed at increasing the number of children cycling to school by organising "bike buses" or group rides.
The project fosters a sense of community by encouraging group participation in active travel. Bike buses bring together children, families, and friends who cycle together along a set route, making the journey to school more active, fun, and sustainable. This collaborative approach not only reduces traffic congestion by decreasing the number of cars on the road, but also leads to fundamentally positive changes that benefit communities during what can otherwise be a stressful time.
By involving local schools and communities in organising bike buses, the project fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility for promoting cycling. This can lead to increased community engagement and a stronger sense of safety for children cycling to school. The project provides resources and guidance to help schools set up and maintain their bike bus programs, including training for adult supervisors and support for managing the logistics of organising regular bike buses.
The FRideDays Bike Bus project is making a significant impact, with events like the recent Bike Bus with 'Coach' Sam Balto, a PE teacher from the United States and founder of Bike Bus World, attracting over 300 children, parents, and teachers in Cardiff. The event, which aimed to demonstrate how riding together can encourage kids to bike for the school run, was exhilarating for Balto, who expressed enthusiasm about being part of the huge bike bus and seeing the growing movement of Bike Buses globally.
The project also helps children get exercise at the start of the day, boosting their physical and mental health, leading to improved focus in class. Joyous events like the Bike Bus with Coach Balto are just one example of how the FRideDays Bike Bus project is working to create healthier, happier neighbourhoods that prioritise both the environment and community well-being.
For those interested in getting involved with the FRideDays Bike Bus project, information can be found on the project's website. The recent Children's Walking and Cycling Index by the same website revealed that most of the 1.36 billion trips walked, wheeled, or scooted by children each year in the UK are to and from school (38%). By promoting cycling as a safe, enjoyable, and sustainable option for school commutes, the FRideDays Bike Bus project is empowering the voices of future generations and working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
[1] Sustrans website: [2] FRideDays Bike Bus website: [3] Sustrans website:
- The FRideDays Bike Bus project, by promoting cycling for school commutes, is not only encouraging healthy fitness-and-exercise but also fostering a lifestyle that prioritizes home-and-garden friendlier transportation, such as reducing carbon emissions.
- In an effort to create healthier, happier communities, the FRideDays Bike Bus project provides resources for schools to set up bike buses, promoting science-backed health-and-wellness benefits through active travel while focusing on decreasing reliance on cars.
