Just a quick note to make sure you carve out a few minutes of your day to watch the latest Streetfilms put together by the one and only Clarence Eckerson. Clarence was in town last week and caught up with Alameda Bike Bus leader Sam “Coach” Balto.
As many of you recall, Balto is a physical education teacher at Alameda Elementary and created his bike bus as a way to get students more movement and fun time with friends before class. He launched it one year ago. It caught on like wildfire, not only in Portland where it doubled in size in just four months, but it helped spark a movement that has sprouted bike buses all over the country.
Here in Portland we have nine bike buses now in operation. While BP Reporter Taylor Griggs works on a roundup of them, sit back and watch this excellent film about the bike bus — and the leaders and volunteers — who helped start it all.
Thank you! That was a really nice video. it’s good to see the Alameda Bike Bus and Sam B. get the attention they deserve.
Great video and even better movement. What an amazing way to build biking (active transportation) community and lifelong habits!
I found myself tearing up a little. Coach Balto, thank you. Whatever bike cred Portland still has, it’s due to you and those both average and exceptional kids, and Jonathan and crew paying attention.
I wish I had a bike bus when I was in grade school. I’d probably be a lot less nervous about riding in groups, and a happier kid overall.