GCS Bike Bus Program

What is a Bike Bus?

A bike bus is a group of students and their adult volunteers who ride their bikes to school together along a planned route, picking up more riders as they go—just like a school bus, but on bikes! 

Each “stop” is a designated meeting point where additional families can join, and the ride is often supported by parent volunteers or community members of all ages who help ensure safety and fun. Bike buses promote physical activity, reduce traffic around schools, build community, and help kids start their day energized and ready to learn. 

A group of children wearing helmets and backpacks ride bicycles along a sunny, tree-lined path. One child extends an arm while riding, and the scene is vibrant and full of greenery.
Two children wearing helmets ride bicycles across a crosswalk in front of a school building, while an adult crossing guard in a safety vest watches and smiles in the background on a sunny day.

What GCS Can Do for You

GCS strives to be a regional resource for school communities that currently have or would like to start a bike bus. This means providing incentives, like gift cards and free safety items, to assist communities and connect participants across metro Atlanta school districts.

Many families have seen firsthand the positive impact of bike buses. As one parent shared:

“Once the kids show their parents they can do it, it encourages other families to get out and get better at biking!”
– Andrew, parent and volunteer

Two children wearing backpacks and helmets ride bicycles across a crosswalk near a school bus parked outside a brick school building.

Start a bike bus

GCS has a how-to toolkit with tips and resources for starting your bike bus! Plus, GCS can support new bike buses with safety materials and gift cards for downloading and implementing the steps found in the toolkit!

Three children wearing helmets and backpacks ride bicycles along a paved road, with other cyclists ahead of them. Grass and a sidewalk border the road, and pedestrians are visible in the distance.

Grow my bike bus

GCS provides safety items and financial incentives to encourage the growth of bike buses. Download the toolkit to find out more! 

A smiling young boy wearing a helmet rides a bicycle outdoors, while an adult man behind him, also smiling, helps guide the bike. They appear to be enjoying a sunny day in a residential neighborhood.

Join the community

Whether you’re just curious, a community champion or a founding member, the bike bus coalition can link you with other bike bus practitioners for tips, best practices and more!

Want to find a bike bus near you? Check out our map!

This map is continually updated. Want your bike bus to be added? Click here!

Have questions? Get in touch with GCO!

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