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Gridley Herald

Let’s Ride!

Oct 17, 2024 09:25AM ● By Seti Long, photos by Hollie Byers

The Oct. 9 ride had more than 80 riders.

 

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - A different way to get to school has emerged in the quiet town of Biggs and locals are loving it.

Biggs resident Hollie Byers had the creative idea of bringing a Biggs Bike Bus to the community as a way to get kids active and excited to go to school.

The response has been phenomenal.

The weekly organized bike rides have quickly gained the attention of community members, who have wholeheartedly supported the movement.

“I get emotional thinking about how quickly this passion project took off and how much support I’ve gotten from this wonderful community,” Byers said. “As a teacher at Biggs Elementary, I’m always looking for new ways to engage my students and build relationships with them. Bike Bus has helped students get to school happy and ready to learn and that means I’ve achieved my goal.”


The Biggs Bike Bus was started as a way to get kids active and excited for school.


How it works:

The bike bus starts at 7 a.m. at a designated location. It then follows a specific course through town, picking up bikers along the way as they head to their final destination on B Street: Biggs Elementary School.

Details about the Biggs Bike Bus are shared through their Facebook page, including routes, dates, times and pick-up points.

Byers reported to the community in a Facebook post that their first official ride on Oct. 2 had more than 60 riders.

The Biggs Bike Bus has continued to gain momentum, and participants, as they rolled into International Walk & Roll Day on Oct. 9. A group of more than 80 children, accompanied by adults and a Butte County Sheriff's Office escort, rolled up to Biggs Elementary School, excited and smiling after riding their bikes together through town.

Since then, Community Service Officer Moreland from the Butte County Sheriff's Office has acted as an escort for the group, keeping drivers away and participants safe while they travel to school.

Riders are required to wear helmets and many in the group wear reflective safety gear. Accommodations have also been made for the more inexperienced riders or those with training wheels.


Butte County Sheriff’s Office provided an escort for the group of students biking to school to ensure safety.


The group has been featured on the local news channel “Action News Now” and has been the focus of a video created by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.

Unfortunately, not all children who would like to participate have the necessary equipment. There is a need for gently used bicycles and helmets so all students can have the opportunity to join the Bike Bus. Donations can be made by contacting [email protected].

Byers thanks the community for making her small dream a reality and a huge success.