From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Kids Take Bike Bus Instead of Being Driven to School
Chicago kids now ride bike buses to school instead of being driven, growing from 30 to over 100 riders weekly.
In brief
Chicago kids now ride bike buses to school instead of being driven, growing from 30 to over 100 riders weekly. Chicago bike buses, organized by parents, have grown from 30 to over 100 riders weekly to reduce car dependency and improve safety for children. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Bike Bus Concept
Chicago kids now ride bike buses to school instead of being driven, growing from 30 to over 100 riders weekly.
“The idea is simple: Once a week, a group of kids and parents bike to school together.”
Weekly Bike Bus Rides
Parents organize bike buses with children, riding as chaperones to block drivers at intersections.
“As we ride to school, we get bigger and bigger.”
Ridership Growth
Bike buses grew from 30 to over 100 riders weekly at Waters Elementary School by 2026.
“Now we can easily get above 100 riders.”
Safety and Social Benefits
Parents say bike buses provide safety in numbers, socialization opportunities, and push back against Chicago’s car-centric culture.
“It’s a roving party through the neighborhood.”
Historical Context
Bike buses originated in Belgium in 1998 but became popular in Chicago after the pandemic.
“Some Chicago bike bus organizers say they were inspired by Sam Balto, who reportedly organized the first U.S. bike bus in 2022 in Portland, Oregon.”
Waters Elementary Bike Bus
Sten Turpin and Kirstin Hanson organize bike buses for Waters Elementary School with 100+ riders.
“We’re visible. We’re keeping each other safe.”
Ridership at Disney Magnet School
Walt Disney Magnet School bike buses grew from less than 10 to 30 riders since 2022.
“Kids can come from all over the city. So it’s been a challenge to build up.”
Historical Shift in School Transportation
Fewer children walk or bike to school: 50% in 1969 dropped to 11% by 2017, with car use rising from 12% to 50%.
“By 2017, the number dropped to 11%.”
Parental Concerns
Parents worry about car safety and street conditions, with many still nervous about letting children ride alone.
“Cars are bigger than they’ve ever been. It’s extremely concerning.”
Bike Bus Goals
Parents aim to normalize biking for children, reducing reliance on bike buses over time.
“We’re a big group. We’re visible. We’re keeping each other safe.”
Current Challenges
Chicago streets remain dangerous for cyclists, requiring bike buses for safety despite growing ridership.
“I don’t trust drivers. Cars are bigger than they’ve ever been.”
Future of Bike Buses
Bike buses will continue to grow as Chicago parents prioritize safety and sustainable transportation.
“It’s a low barrier to entryway for kids to start getting that experience.”
Bike Bus Impact
Bike buses are helping Chicago children ride safely to school while challenging the city’s car-centric culture.
“A lot of it has to do with independence and being comfortable riding in the street.”
Conclusion
Chicago bike buses have become a growing movement to reduce car dependency and improve children’s safety.
“More than a couple dozen bike buses are now held regularly in the Chicago area.”
The main idea
Chicago bike buses, organized by parents, have grown from 30 to over 100 riders weekly to reduce car dependency and improve safety for children.
