Bicibús or Busbici is a group of boys and girls who ride in a group from home to school accompanied by adults, or not. It is a safe, healthy and sustainable transport option for students who want to travel to the educational centre by bicycle or live far from school and normally travel by car or other means of transport. The concept of bike bus has been around since 1990s, however, it emerged in Barcelona in 2020 when two teachers from El Petit Miguel School decided to accompany nine children to school by bicycle. The initiative was halted due to pandemic. But later local residents demanded the construction of cycling infrastructure and thus reemerged the Bicibús or Busbici.
As of now 40 bus lines have been launched in Barcelona Metropolitan Area with around 800 participants. Just like a bus, a Bicibús has a predefined itinerary with departure and arrival points, and established times for its journey.
Benefit for health and environment
- Bike Bus promotes the safety and autonomy of boys and girls in their school journey as they are accompanied by family members, volunteers, monitors or external volunteers,
- Provides an opportunity for children to carry out essential physical activity for their overall growth and development
- It is also helpful in combating problems such as a sedentary lifestyle, anxiety, childhood obesity and, in turn, promote happiness and general well-being.
- Usage of bike bus reduces noise pollution as well as the risk of accidents as children is accompanied by grwonups.
- It also contributes to improving air quality and supports the ecological transition necessary to face climate change and the energy crisis.