‘Bike Bus’ opens up to help children pedal to school safely 

A group of families have come together to create their own Bike Bus, inspired by World Car Free Day on Friday.

Parents and children from Coopers Lane Primary School in Grove Park, Lewisham, meet each week with their bikes in traffic-free locations like parks.

Once they are all together, the kids and parents set off to school cycling in a big group.

The initiative started in 2022 after parents said they noticed that cycling with children had been a “challenge” in the area. 

Only two cycle lanes exist in the area, and parents say one is constantly obstructed by parked vehicles. 

Dr Anna Moore, a parent who is part of the Bus Bike and a respiratory specialist working in the NHS, said: “I see the negative health impacts of air pollution – there is no organ in the body that is not affected. 

“We know that kids are exposed to more pollution inside of cars than out, so it’s great to be able to take concrete action to protect them and clean up our air at the same time.”

Starting with just 13 participants in September 2022 – eight children and five adults – the Bike Bus has grown over the past year and by the last day of term in July, it welcomed 85 participants, with 50 children and 35 adults joining the ranks. 

Dr Moore said: “It’s been such a joyful thing to do. We meet other families and the kids get to play before setting off on a fun bike ride together. 

“The sound of them chatting and singing as we ride along is just amazing. 

“Other children and their adults have seen us arrive together and asked how to join in – it’s snowballing.” 

Pictured top: The Bus Bike crew arriving at school (Picture: Donna Ford Creative Portrait/Branding and Event Photographer)