From a few to more than 350, children and parents ride together to school as a 'bike bus'

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Children ride their bicycles to school during a parent-led bike ride titled "Bike Bus" Sept. 15, 2025, in Montclair, N.J. (Andrew Hawkins/Montclair Bike Bus via AP)

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – On a sunny fall morning, children wearing helmets and backpacks gathered with their parents in Montclair, New Jersey, for a group bicycle ride to two local elementary schools. Volunteers in orange safety vests made sure everyone assembled in a neighborhood shopping area was ready before the riders set off on their 5-mile “bike bus” route.

Every few blocks, more adults and kids on bikes joined in. Eventually, the group grew to over 350 people. Older students chatted with friends, while younger ones focused on pedaling. Cars along the way stoppe