Bike Bus
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A Biking School Bus is a group of students biking to school with two or more adults, picking up students along the way. It can be as simple as two families taking turns biking students to school or a structured program with routes, a schedule and meeting locations.
Plan a Biking School Bus!
The steps for starting a Biking School Bus are similar to planning a Walking School Bus, but there are a few important additional considerations:
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Biking School Bus participants must wear helmets at all times when riding. Low-cost helmets are available through OHSU's and free helmets are offered at community events by Legacy Health's . Helmets should be replaced after any crashes and as needed when helmets no longer fit.
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Routes should be designed to utilize biking infrastructure like neighborhood greenways or streets with bike lanes. Busy streets should be crossed where crosswalks or lights can support crossing safely.
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Having basic bike tools like inner tube patches, tire levers, and a pump can save the day if someone gets a flat tire!
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Bike Bus FAQ
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Who can start a Bike Bus?
Any parent, staff member or community member.
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How many adults do I need in my Bike Bus?
This depends on your individual assessment of students' ability to abide by bike safety laws as outlined in the following links: , ,
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Do I need permission slips?
Because Bike Buses are not a District sponsored activity and occur outside of school hours, permission slips are not required by ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Parents and guardians permit participation at their own discretion and risk.
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Is insurance required to have a Bike Bus?
No, because Bike Buses are not a District sponsored activity, participation is optional, and the activity is not on school property, liability insurance is not required by ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.
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What¡¯s the best route to take?
That all depends on where the students live and what school they go to. PBOT has an interactive map that has bike lanes and paths. Routes should be designed to utilize biking infrastructure like neighborhood greenways or streets with bike lanes. Busy streets should be crossed where crosswalks or lights can support crossing safely.
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What materials are needed?
Safety recommendations from OHSU can be found
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I am a teacher or staff member. Can I get compensation to run a Bike Bus?
Talk with your union rep to discuss extended hours.