This fall, the Gunnison PTA added a new way for students to get to school: the valley’s first Bike Bus.

Now on Wednesday mornings with safe outdoor temperatures, adult volunteers ride along a mapped-out route, picking up students waiting at designated “Bike Bus stops.” Parents are welcome to join. The idea is to get students peddling, socializing and learning bike safety.  

Structured safety

Bike Buses exist across the country. When Jess Eckhardt, director of Western’s Master of Behavioral Science, came across the idea it seemed like a natural fit for a town as active as Gunnison. With two young sons in the Gunnison school system, she explored founding one.

“Part of my job at Western is highlighting rural needs and rural health disparities, specifically,” Eckhardt said. “I think giving kids the opportunity to be outside a little bit before school is important.”

Research shows outdoor exercise before class begins can help boost academic performance, she said.  

By organizing rides with trained volunteers and clear safety protocols, Eckhardt hopes to help children and families gain the confidence to travel by bike on their own.

“My main goal besides the bike bus being fun for kids is bike safety,” Eckhardt explained. “Teaching kids what the traffic rules are, empowering them to bike around the city.” 

The community responded enthusiastically. About 22 students ranging from four to 10 years old peddled along the Bike Bus for the inaugural ride. Many parents joined in as well.

Safety swag

MetRec funding helped the Gunni Bike Bus take shape with a $4,074 grant. The funds covered equipment for volunteers like reflective vests printed with the program logo, bike lights, bike tools and first aid kits.

Additionally, adult volunteers complete Bike Bus training before leading a ride. They learn protocols for emergency situations and gear malfunctions—as well as how to manage the pace so everyone feels comfortable. 

“When you’re asking parents to put the safety of their kids in your hands, you need to be prepared,” Eckhardt said.

The grant also covered safety gear for student participants, ensuring all students without a helmet received one—as they are a requirement for riding along. Students also received bike lights and reflectors, as well as some fun accessories like spoke cards.

Social perks

The Bike Bus offers a low-pressure way for adults and kids alike to meet.

“A big part of this is community building, getting to know neighbors and having kids get to know their neighbors through biking,” Eckhardt said. “Part of my hope is that parents get to reconnect with people they maybe they haven’t seen in a while, but also, if you’re new to the community, making new friends and connections.”

One of the best parts so far, Eckhardt said, is seeing kids meet while riding.

“These are kids who live within a neighborhood who for some reason haven’t crossed paths,” Eckhardt said.

Continuing conversations

Eckhardt said she hopes as the program grows, it will continue to spark broader conversations about safe transportation in Gunnison.

“I’m hopeful that this program can be engaged in conversations at the city or county level about what it takes to make streets safer, especially for biking and children.”

For now, the focus is on building momentum, recruiting volunteers and expanding the number of neighborhood routes.

As word spreads and more families join, the Gunni Bike Bus is already doing more than helping kids get to school—it’s connecting neighbors, strengthening community ties, and making Gunnison’s streets a little safer for everyone on two wheels.