Step 1: find some other parents to help.
Getting any group activity together works best with a few people to divide and conquer the tasks. Plus, for the ride I recommend having three adult riders in assigned spots. Find two others eager to try this out. One day I just asked a parent who I noticed rode with her kids to school, she knew another parent, and voila–a team!
Step 2: Plan the route and make a flyer.
My first bus was just under 2 miles with two stops along the way. Prioritize right turns and low-conflict or protected lefts. Don’t forget about the return route after school, it might be slightly different but should have the same stops if possible. Ride the routes really slowly by yourself to time it. Here is my first route. Here is a Canva flyer template with timestamps and other helpful things.
Step 3: tell the Principal and PTA and send them your flier.
As easy as sending them an email and getting a response. It’s good to have the administration in-the-know. For my first ride the school bike racks were inside a gate and we needed parents pre-approved to assist with locking/unlocking. The staff can help coordinate stuff like that and may want to help promote the event. The PTA also has a network and can help spread the word at least, maybe help ID another volunteer or two. Here’s a template email.
Step 4: Broadcast!
Spread the word, and plan things that need planning. Like setting up a system for keeping track of RSVPs, lock codes, contact info, etc. as needed.
Step 5: show up and ride!
Smile. Have an adult in the front to lead, one in the back to sweep, one to flank telling kids to stay to the right. Give a quick spiel on safety at each stop: stay behind the leader, if there’s a mechanical or minor collision tell an adult, no peeling off from the group especially to the left. Get everyone to school. Come back for the reverse in the afternoon.
A lot more guidance from our friends in Portland HERE.