Hundreds of children and parents in Montclair, New Jersey, participated in a five-mile “bike bus” ride to local elementary schools. The weekly event, started three years ago by a small group of parents concerned about student safety, has expanded into a community initiative involving more than 350 participants. The program aims to encourage healthy habits, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen neighborhood connections. According to Bike Bus World, a nonprofit organization that supports similar efforts, over 400 bike bus routes now operate globally across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Organizers explained that the growing popularity of these programs reflects an increasing public interest in sustainable transportation, civic engagement, and environmentally responsible lifestyles. Experts also described the initiative as an example of collective action that cultivates resilience and ecological awareness in urban communities.

The Montclair bike bus is guided by volunteers in safety vests who manage traffic flow and ensure that participants follow designated routes. Organizers plan routes on low-traffic streets and advise cyclists to wear helmets, reflective gear, and bike lights during early morning rides. The event continues throughout the year despite weather challenges, supported by sponsors who provide visibility gear and maintenance tools. Leaders stated that the initiative promotes discipline, cooperation, and environmental consciousness among students. Advocates expressed hope that the program’s growing success would encourage local governments to invest in improved cycling infrastructure and school travel safety measures. The Montclair project exemplifies a collective, community-oriented, and sustainable approach to daily transportation that could serve as a model for other municipalities worldwide.