Oatlands Infants and Junior Schools are marking the first anniversary of their community-led Bike Bus, which has now supported more than 1,000 cycling journeys to school.
The project was launched in November 2023 by local parents inspired by Barcelona’s “Bicibus”.
It was set up with support from the FRideays Bike Bus team at the WalkwheelcycleTrust (formerly Sustrans) and is run in collaboration with Walkbikescoot, Oatlands Infant School and Oatlands Junior School, which form part of the Yorkshire Causeway Trust and Red Kite Learning Trust.
The Bike Bus runs every fortnight and brings together up to 100 riders for a 1.3-mile group cycle to school.
Organisers say the aim is to create a 'fun, social and safe way for families to travel', while encouraging active habits, community connections and healthier routines.
All children ride with parents or carers, and the route is supported by 14 volunteer parent marshals along with regular participation from headteachers, deputy headteachers and, more recently, North Yorkshire Community Police.
Parent volunteers have also received on-road training through funding from North Yorkshire Sport.
Since its launch, more than 1,000 journeys have been completed via the Bike Bus, covering an estimated 1,300 miles in total. Cycling numbers are reported to double on Bike Bus days, and organisers say the initiative is influencing how families choose to travel on other school days.
Oatlands Infant School also operates a free bike library offering adults’ and children’s bikes, as well as a trailer and tow bar, which families can borrow for up to a week to support cycling to school or weekend rides.
Parents and pupils have spoken positively about the scheme. Neil, a parent at Oatlands Junior School and volunteer Bike Bus Marshal, said: “The Bike Bus has allowed me to safely share the joy of cycling with my daughter and get to know fellow parents and cyclists.”
Ann, a parent at Oatlands Infant School and Bike Bus attendee, said:
“We’re a cycling family and love how Bike Bus has got so many children and adults back on their bike to safely enjoy riding on the road. It’s amazing to see all ages riding as a group and is the perfect way to encourage families to leave the car at home and cycle. The kids love cycling with their pals and cycling along in a pack with the music is a great start to a Friday!”
A Year 5 pupil said:
“Bike Bus is the best! You get to ride with all your friends, chat and laugh, there’s cool music playing, and everyone sticks together. The marshals are at the front showing us the way—it feels like an adventure!”
A Year 2 pupil added:
“I feel happy on the Bike Bus because it helps me to improve how I ride my bike, and I LOVE riding my bike! After the Bike Bus, I feel happy and joyful.”
School leaders say the initiative has helped bring families together while promoting healthier travel choices.
Christopher Harrison, Infant School Headteacher, said:
“We love our Bike Bus Fridays! Getting together on The Stray and cycling to school together is such a wonderful way to start the day, and we love seeing so many Oatlands families taking part. It is an absolute pleasure to work with members of our community to organise something so impactful, that raises the profile of physical activity and active travel!”
Drew Morley, Deputy Headteacher at Oatlands Junior School, said:
“Every two weeks, a colossal group of bikes and scooters gather on the Stray just after eight o'clock in the morning ready to process through the streets to the school.
"It has been wonderful to see familiar faces and new attendees at each Bike Bus, and see families encouraged to make the environmentally friendly and healthy choice for their journey into school.
"Thanks to all our volunteer marshals and here’s to the next twelve months of Bike Buses!”
Ben Mortimer, Bike Bus leader and co-founder of Walkbikescoot, said:
“The Bike Bus has been a positive and fun initiative. Seeing the children having fun whilst travelling to school by active means is fantastic and the commitment of the 14 parent marshal volunteers, is at the core of its success.
"Its popularity shows the demand for active and healthy journeys to school.”
Oatlands Infant School is now working in partnership with North Yorkshire Sport to promote active travel in other schools and communities.
The school has recently been accepted into the national Patchwork Programme, joining 12 organisations focused on increasing access to physical activity, and is the only school involved in the initiative.
Staff say they hope to use what they have learned from the Bike Bus to support other schools aiming to become more active and healthy.
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