Bike Bus in Montclair transforms school commute as hundreds ride together each week
Hundreds of students, parents and volunteers are swapping traffic and drop-off lines for a bike ride to school, helping create a safer and more connected morning routine.
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The morning commute looks a little different in Montclair.
Instead of sitting in traffic or waiting in school drop-off lines, hundreds of students, parents and volunteers are hopping on their bikes and riding to school together as part of the Montclair Bike Bus.
The adult-led group ride began three years ago when a small group of parents wanted a safer way to bike their children to school.
"There was a group of us parents that all just wanted to ride our bikes to our kids' schools, and Montclair is a lovely town, but it just wasn't safe to do that, so we started Bike Bus," said co-founder Jessica Tillier.
Each Friday, riders follow a scheduled route through town, making stops along the way to pick up more students before arriving at school. Volunteers help manage intersections and keep riders safe throughout the trip.
What started with just a handful of families has grown into a movement. The Bike Bus recently set a new record with 467 riders participating in a single ride.
Students say the experience makes getting to school more enjoyable.
"It's a very fun thing where people get together and bike to school, and it's better for the climate," said Gigi Drucker, a student at Nishuane Elementary School.
Parents say it offers a welcome alternative to the stress of a traditional commute.
"Fun. I think that's the big difference," said parent Jason Bell. "Any other commute through town, there's always traffic, trains, school buses stopping—it's congested and tight. This is just a really great route."
Organizers say the goal extends beyond the weekly rides. The group also advocates for safer streets and expanded bike infrastructure throughout Montclair, hoping more families will feel comfortable choosing bikes over cars.
"In a car, I really feel the toll of commuting. It's expensive, it's slow, and honestly it's not fun," Tillier said. "Our primary goal is getting to school together in a way that feels safe and fun."
For many families, the Bike Bus is proving that the journey to school can be just as rewarding as the destination.
