A quick guide for every rider

Bike Bus
Safety Guide

Move together. Stay predictable.
Know your role.

Start with pre-ride checks Take the quick quiz

A ride leader, children, and adult volunteers riding together in a calm Bike Bus formation.

Before anyone rolls

Ready before you roll.

0 of 8 ready

TiresFirm and inflated for the ride. BrakesFront and rear stop smoothly. HelmetLevel, snug, and buckled. Bell or hornWorking and easy to reach. Lights or reflectorsFront white, rear red. Loose clothingNothing can catch or drag. BackpackSecure and not too full. Organizer visibilityBright gear is easy to spot.

Check each item together before the group starts.

Helmet fit

Remember 2–V–1.

Three views demonstrate a level helmet, straps forming a V below the ear, and a snug fastened chin strap.

2 Two fingers

Two fingers above the eyebrows.

V V straps

Straps form a “V” under each ear.

1 One snug strap

One or two fingers fit under the chin strap.

Ride as one group

We move as one group.

A Bike Bus rides in a calm line with a visible leader in front, children and adults spaced through the middle, and a sweeper at the back.

Never pass the ride leader.

The leader sets the pace and makes the call to start, slow, or stop.

Stay right

Ride to the right of the lane.

Keep space

Leave room in front and behind.

Ride predictably

No racing, weaving, or sudden moves.

Listen and signal

Communicate clearly and early.

Stop together

No one gets left behind.

Know who is where

Clear roles keep the ride calm.

A Bike Bus approaches a crosswalk with the ride leader in front, riders and adults in the middle, a Traffic Intersector at the crossing, and the sweeper last.

Ride Leader Front

Sets pace, route, and stops. Keeps the group together.

Sweeper Back

Brings up the rear and makes sure everyone advances.

Traffic Intersector Crossing

One to three volunteers can leapfrog between crossings: one stays visible while another moves ahead.

Adult Rider Beside

Rides among kids, supports them, and keeps the group calm.

Communicate before moving

Signal early. Move predictably.

Four views show a helmeted rider signaling left, right, slow or stop, and wait.

Left turn

Left arm straight out.

Right turn

Right arm straight out.

Slow or stop

Left arm down, palm back.

Wait

Open hand raised.

At every intersection

Extra calm at every crossing.

Four scenes show the Bike Bus slowing, stopping behind the crosswalk, hearing the Traffic Intersector's observation, and crossing together on the leader's cue.

1
Slow down.
The leader signals slow. Everyone eases up and gets ready.
2
Stop together.
Roll up and stop as a group behind the crosswalk.
3
Check and regroup.
The Intersector reports what they see. If no one is in position, everyone waits.
4
Cross steadily.
Follow the leader's cue only when it is lawful and clear. Ride straight and keep together.

Look. Listen. Communicate. Stay together.