Two fingers
The helmet sits level, about two fingers above the eyebrows.
Training aid
Bike Bus Safety Guide
A bike bus works best when riders move together, stay predictable, and know who is leading, who is sweeping, and who is helping at crossings.
Before you ride
Check the bike, the rider, and the organizer visibility.
These are the quick checks families and volunteers can review before rolling out.
0 of 8 ready
Start with tires and brakes.
Helmet fit
Use the 2-V-1 check.
V straps
The side straps form a V under each ear.
One snug strap
One or two fingers fit under the chin strap, and the helmet does not wobble.
Ride-day rules
The bike bus moves as a group. We do not race ahead.
Never pass the ride leader.
The leader sets the pace and decides when the group starts, slows, or stops.
Stay right
Ride on the right side of the road. Kids ride to the right of adults when possible.
Keep space
Leave room from the bike in front so there is time to slow down calmly.
Ride predictably
No racing, swerving, sudden stops, or weaving through the group.
Listen and signal
Follow organizer instructions. Use bells, horns, or voices kindly and only when needed.
Stop with the group
When the group stops, everyone stops. Walk bikes when the ride leader asks.
Volunteer roles
Clear roles help the group stay calm and organized.
Ride Leader
Rides at the front, sets the pace, and chooses when the group starts, slows, or stops.
No rider passes the leader.Sweeper
Rides at the back, watches for riders who need help, and makes sure no one is left behind.
The sweeper always stays last.Traffic Intersector
Moves into position, signals clearly, and helps hold cars while the bus passes intersections when it is safe and appropriate.
Riders wait for the safe crossing cue.Adult Rider
Rides near kids, helps keep spacing steady, and reminds riders to stay right and follow the leader.
Adults support the group, and look after littles.Hand signals
Signals make the bike bus predictable before anyone moves.
Use hand signals early, hold them long enough for the riders behind you to see, and pair them with a calm voice cue when the group is young, noisy, or spread out.
Left turn
Extend the left arm straight out before turning or moving left.
Use before turns, lane position changes, or moving around a parked car.Right turn
Extend the right arm straight out, or raise the left arm with the elbow bent up.
Use before right turns and driveway or curbside pull-ins.Slow or stop
Hold one arm down with the palm facing back, then stop smoothly with the group.
Use before stop signs, crossings, congestion, hazards, or rider regrouping.Wait
Raise an open hand where riders can see it and keep the group stopped.
Use when the leader or Intersector needs riders to pause before crossing.Intersections
Extra calm. Extra predictable.
Intersections are where the bike bus slows down, listens closely, and moves only when the leader or Intersector indicates it is safe.
- Slow down before the intersection.
- Stop as a group when directed.
- Wait for the leader or Intersector to give the crossing cue.
- Cross steadily without stopping in the middle unless necessary.
Quick check