Portland, Oregon Kids Ride the ‘Bike Bus’ to School, Says Yale Climate Connections

Every week, students at Alameda Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, ride together to school in what they refer to as a bike bus.

This line of bikes follows a specific route, with more kids and parents joining along the way.

Physical education teacher Sam Balto organized the bike bus a couple of years ago.

Balto: “It was a big success. We had 75 kids and continued to do it every Wednesday for the next school year.”

By promoting biking over driving, bike buses can help reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Balto also notes that as more people ride together, biking becomes safer. Cars slow down and give the group of riders more space. Plus, the students benefit throughout the day.

Balto: “Research shows that children perform better academically when they are physically active before school. They form stronger social connections, behave better, boost their confidence, and focus more during the school day.”

Balto has since established a nonprofit organization to advocate for safer bike infrastructure and provide guidance to those interested in starting their own bike buses.

According to Balto, all you need to begin is a few kids and parents who start riding to school together.

Balto: “If you are consistent and inclusive, it will grow.”

Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media