What is a bicycle train?

A variation on the walking school bus is a bicycle train where a group of children and adult leaders ride together to school.

A bicycle train offers a safe, fun way to ride as a group. Because of the equipment involved and the potential need to ride on a road, planning and conducting a bicycle train is more involved than having a walking school bus. Basic considerations are outlined below.

• Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children.
• All riders must wear bicycle helmets.
• Before starting the program, providing children with practice and training on bicycle handling and rules of the road is recommended.
• More adult supervision is needed than for walking. One adult for every three to six children is recommended.

For directions on how to conduct a bicycle train, see Guidelines for Bike Train Engineers and Cabooses from Metro Atlanta Safe Routes to School Project.