The purpose of this resource is to encourage students in Grades 4 through 12 to cycle to school by offering a supervised group ride experience, helping them build confidence and develop safe riding habits. 

Description

A Bike Train is a group of children cycling together under the supervision of adult leaders, following a prescribed route and schedule. It enables students to practice riding to school safely, thereby building their cycling skills and confidence.  

A Bike Train is similar to a Walking School Bus, except the group cycles instead of walking together. (Other terms for Bike Train include: ‘biking school bus’ or ‘bicycle bus’). Participating students are ‘picked up’ at designated stops along the way to join the ‘train’ on its journey to the school. The program can work well as a temporary initiative (e.g., offered every day for a period of two weeks), to give families a chance to try cycling and build enough skills and confidence to ride independently. 

Bike Trains are ideal for schools in neighbourhoods where there is existing cycling infrastructure suitable for young riders, such as quiet low-traffic streets, multi-use trails and/or protected bike lanes.  

What you will need

Commitment from a dedicated group of volunteers or staff to plan, schedule and operate. A Bike Train ideally includes at least two adult supervisors, one that rides at the front of the group and one that rides at the rear.

Who can help

Teachers, students, school support staff, volunteers, and local cycling organizations.

Key words

Cycling skills, group ride, cycle, cycling, safety, students, bicycle, bike, biking, riding, wheeling, skills training, bike handling, bike skills, road rules.