Chicago-area families embrace school bike buses
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Hamilton Bike Bus. Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Family Biking
As interminable school pickup lines inspire memes and viral videos, some Chicago-area families are ditching the car and hopping on a bike for organized "bike buses."
Why it matters: Studies show that kids who bike or walk to school feel more energized during the school day, gain a sense of independence and continue healthy habits as they age.
- Plus, bike commuting contributes to a healthier environment and builds community within the neighborhood and school.
Driving the news: Chicago Public Schools start Aug. 24, with suburban and Catholic schools beginning at varying days throughout August.
By the numbers: In 1969, 48% of kids ages 5-14 walked or biked to school.
- By 2017, that number was down to 11%, according to the National Household Travel Survey.
- 24% of kids walk or bus when living within half a mile to 1 mile of school, but that drops to 7% when they live between 1 and 2 miles from school.
State of play: Rebecca Resman has led more than 200 family bike rides since she started Chicago Family Biking in 2013, including leading her own kids' bike bus at Hamilton Elementary in Lakeview.
- The Hamilton bike bus started with two families, Resman tells Axios, and grew to more than 100 riders every Wednesday. The group is made up of all volunteers — parents, school staff members and other transportation advocates.
How it works: Chicago Family Biking provides a detailed outline on starting a bike bus.
- Recruit other parents, but also get the school involved so principals and teachers can help spread the word.
- Start a reliable communication system for the volunteers, whether it's email, Slack, WhatsApp, etc.
- Find slow streets with controlled intersections.
- Make a flyer with a route map, timing and schedule.
- Encourage participants to watch this Rider Rules video.
Between the lines: Some schools are more excited than others to participate, Resman says, but less enthusiastic schools often "change their tune once they see the excitement, success and community enthusiasm it creates."
- Illinois passed the Bike Walk Education in Schools Act in 2018, which mandates Illinois schools provide safe biking and walking instruction. Both Resman and the Active Transportation Alliance say it needs to improve to ensure consistent implementation across schools.
Reality check: Many Chicago families don't feel comfortable biking on their streets, especially when there are no dedicated bike lanes.
- Resman says the "safety in numbers" in bike buses is one solution, but community members should also reach out to the Chicago Department of Transportation about better biking routes.
What's next: National Bike & Roll to School Day is scheduled for Oct. 7.