San Francisco’s first-ever Bike Bus made headlines last month when it rode through car-free JFK, helping kids get to school in a big group via bicycle. It was inspired by Barcelona’s bícibus, in which hundreds of schoolchildren bike to school together along city streets.
Quart divendres de reivindicació en forma de #bicibus per anar a l’escola. Les ciutats han de redistribuir l’espai públic a favor dels vianants, bicis i transport públic. @bicibuseixample @bcn_ajuntament #bicibcn #BCN pic.twitter.com/02HuVwMaoh
— Lluís Juncà (@lljunca) October 15, 2021
San Francisco’s bike bus route starts at JFK Promenade and 8th Ave, taking off promptly at 7:45am. The bus will roll east on the Promenade, hopping over to Page Sow Street, and then turning onto Market Street and continue through SoMa. Riders can hop on and off the bus at any point, breaking off to reach schools near the route including New Traditions Elementary, CIS/DeAvila Elementary, McKinley Elementary, John Muir Elementary, Gateway Middle, Sanchez Elementary, Friends School, and more.
The Bike Bus is open for anyone on wheels to join, including bikes, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and more. They welcome parents, children, and any fellow community members who want to join in on the fun. Local dad Peter Belden organized the first ride, which happened back in December with a group of almost 30 people. The January ride attracted over 100 riders, and this Friday’s ride is sure to top that!
The Bike Bus is hosted by Kid Safe SF, an organization of community members who are petitioning to keep certain local streets car-free. Streets in question include JFK Drive, the Great Highway, and various Slow Streets that were created to allow more neighborhood recreation during the pandemic. They operate under the idea that “if it’s safe for kids, it’s safe for everyone,” and hope to maintain car-free street spaces for children and community members to enjoy together.
The next Bike Bus will happen this Friday, February 11. Riders can RSVP on the website, and should meet at 7:30am on JFK Promenade at 8th Ave, ready to roll promptly at 7:45. Groups will splinter off from the route as their schools come up. Stay tuned as we update this article with future dates!
Featured image: @ybikesf via Instagram