On some mornings in metro Atlanta, groups of children and parents can be seen biking together to school, forming what is known as a “bike bus.” These organized bike rides offer an alternative to driving and aim to reduce local traffic congestion while building community connections.
Traffic near schools during drop-off and pick-up times is a persistent issue in the region. According to the National Household Travel Survey, travel related to schools makes up 10% of vehicle trips and 5% of vehicle miles during weekday morning peak hours between 7 and 9 a.m. Metro Atlanta follows this trend, with residents increasingly concerned about growing traffic problems.
A recent Metro Atlanta Speaks public opinion survey by the Atlanta Regional Commission found that one quarter of Cobb County respondents and one third from Forsyth County cited traffic as the top problem facing metro Atlanta. In DeKalb County, 17% said traffic was their main concern.
Beyond inconvenience, congestion can lead to air pollution and unsafe conditions for students who walk or bike to school. Limited sidewalk infrastructure can also contribute to social isolation within neighborhoods.
At Drew Charter Elementary in East Lake, DeKalb County, families started a weekly “bike bus” in fall 2025 with support from Georgia Commute Schools. The group began with a small number of students, parents, and neighbors riding together along a planned route each Friday. Parents noticed reduced car drop-off lines on those days, and students arrived more alert. Participants also reported feeling more connected with their neighborhood.
“Together, our community is creating change in a short time simply by choosing to take collective action. Our ‘bike-bus’ has united the community in ways we never imagined,” said Jaida Holbrooke, founding member of Drew’s “bike bus” initiative.
The first rides required careful planning—choosing safer streets and making sure all riders had helmets and visibility gear. With help from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Georgia Commute Schools program, organizers received safety materials and guidance for their routes.
“In communities with weekly ‘bike buses,’ additional benefits became clear,” said Jenny Guadalupe, Senior Program/Project Analyst at ARC. “The presence of a large, visible group of riders raises awareness and reminds drivers to be cautious as they drive through a living, breathing, and connected community.”
Support for these initiatives extends beyond participants. Community members display signs supporting bike buses in their yards and advocate for better infrastructure with local officials. Parent-teacher organizations research grants for new bike racks or signage and work with law enforcement for added safety during special events like Walk to School Day on November 14.
Holbrooke added: “This change was inspired by the vision of engaging more families in discovering healthier, community-driven alternative transportation routes to school. Families have shared stories about their children’s newfound confidence in riding, their motivation to attend school, and the stronger connections they are forming within their families. Kids wish to do this every day, so why can’t we?”
Georgia Commute Schools offers free resources for starting bike buses or similar programs tailored to individual communities’ needs.
