Forest Elementary spotlights new "bike bus" pilot to boost student wellness

Forest Elementary principal Melissa Jackson told the Robbinsdale Area Schools board that the school launched a volunteer-led "bike bus" this fall to encourage students and families to use active transportation. "It was called the Forest bike bus, and it was an exciting opportunity for all of our students and our families," Jackson said, describing the Friday pilot and plans to run it again in the spring.

Music teacher and program champion Sarah Heading described the route and safety steps: "A bike bus is very similar to a regular bus. It is a way to get to school with a set route," she said, and added that participants were required to enroll, wear helmets and that the school created bike-security measures. Juvenile officer John Wilkes of the Crystal Police Department said officers accompanied the ride at times to provide a safety buffer and to build relationships: "I invited some of my partners from the Crystal Police Department to tag along with me a couple of the mornings." A student participant, Lena Anderson, said the program gave students exercise and helped them bond before class.

Principal Jackson said the pilot matched district strategic goals around student engagement and family involvement; staff promised certificates for participants and offered to help other schools adopt similar programs. The board thanked the group and encouraged other schools to consider the model as part of their active-transportation and wellness initiatives.