How to Start a Bike Bus or Walking Bus at Your School

A simple way to create healthier, safer, and more connected school communities.

Imagine if your child could start every school day with joy, confidence, and connection by riding or walking with friends instead of being dropped off in a traffic jam. That’s the power of a Bike Bus or Walking Bus.

We’ve made it easy to start with a complete program, a helpful app, and support from other families just like yours.

What Is a Bike Bus?

A Bike Bus is a group of children riding to school together along a planned route, on a set timetable, led by parents or volunteers – like a school bus, but on bikes.

Each ride is safe, social, and supported by an easy-to-use app.

🎥 Watch how it works

Why it matters for kids – and for you!

It’s not just about exercise. When children regularly ride or walk to school, everything improves: imple. You’ll get:

• Academic performance goes up – studies show kids who are physically active before school concentrate better and get higher marks.

• Relationships improve – they build confidence and stronger social skills with peers, teachers, and even at home.
• Mental wellbeing increases – kids arrive at school happier and more emotionally ready to learn.

But the benefits don’t stop with your child.

Why It Matters for Parents

When your child becomes a confident, independent rider:

🚗 You’re no longer stuck in the school drop-off grind.

🕒 You gain back time – to work, run errands, care for younger children, or just breathe.

🚦 You avoid traffic stress, while helping reduce congestion for others.

🤝 You connect with a network of supportive families, making school life easier.

This is not one more thing on your to-do list. It’s the thing that makes everything else easier.

A hassle-free solution that works

This Bike Bus Program & App makes starting simple. You’ll get:

• Routes, stops, and schedules at your fingertips

• A free, user-friendly app to manage the group

• Volunteer recruitment resources

• Safety tips and community-building support

All you need is a few interested parents – they provide the tools.

Start a Conversation: Use Rachel’s Survey

Rachel Gallagher, a bike-riding mum, created a quick survey to help parents understand what’s stopping their kids from riding – and how to change that.

📋 Use Rachel’s Survey as a Google Template to:

• Identify common barriers (e.g., unsafe streets or no bike parking)

• Build parent momentum

• Give council and school leaders the data they need to help

You don’t have to do this alone – and you shouldn’t.

Support from Moreton Bay Council

The City of Moreton Bay’s Accessible Schools Program supports safer school travel with:

• Infrastructure (bike paths, crossings, signs)

• Behaviour change programs

• School-specific support to reduce car dependence

🧭 Learn more about Council initiatives here

Ready to Ride?

Don’t wait for someone else to fix the school run. Be the spark.

With our Bike Bus tools, app, and community support, you can turn the daily drop-off chaos into a healthier, happier routine that works for everyone.

👟🚲 Take the first step today:

1. Talk to a few other parents

2. Share the survey

3. Choose a safe route

4. Let us help with the rest

It’s not just a ride. It’s a better way of life.

Want to learn to ride? 

Moreton Bay Council runs Learn to Ride and Bike Skills courses. Check them out here.