August 22, 2024 - (Portland, OR) Sam Balto’s enthusiasm and motivational energy is infectious, and the Alameda Elementary School teacher’s Bike Bus initiative in Portland, OR, has been turning heads across the USA and abroad.
Inspired by Barcelona’s Bici Bus and others, Balto’s debut bike bus was held in April 2022, on Earth Day. He aimed to reduce car trips at his school’s drop-off, as they had risen during the pandemic due to canceled bus routes.
The results of his gusto and initiative have been nothing short of sensational, earning headlines with the likes of NBC, the New York Times, the Washington Post and more, along with TikTok video posts reaching over 1.5 million views.
Coach Balto, as he’s been nicknamed, was hoping to see city and state leaders pay more attention to the importance of active transportation for children as kids love biking, meeting up with their friends and being part of a fun experience.
“It’s a great way to get kids to school and build community,” said Balto in The Oregonian. “It helps them learn and do better academically and it’s better for the environment.”
With 300+ kids at the Alameda bike bus now raring to go at 8:10 a.m to the sounds of Queen’s “Bicycle Race” lyrics, bike-bus fever is taking hold in Denver (CO), Louisville (KY), Hood River (OR), Brooklyn (NY), Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA), Cambridge (MA), Calvert City (KY), Vancouver (BC), Camden (UK) and many more.
With kids soon returning to school the timing is right for even more bike buses as Balto writes on X, “I’m just a person like everyone else. You don’t need permission from anyone else but yourself to start a #BikeBus.”
Bike Bus World co-founded by Balto offers tips on how to start your own bike bus and is ready to assist with any questions, or if you just want to talk or reach out – see their key points below and much more via the link.
• Sign up for the email newsletter
• Find your why
• Build your team
• Create your route
• Spread the word
• Reach out, connect, and ask questions
Bike Bus World tips on how to start your own bike bus here.
Read/watch more on X here.
NBC coverage here.
