Last year we formed a partnership with Dover Elementary School in the City of San Pablo, where residents face high economic and health disparities. Many want or need to bike for transportation or recreation but are discouraged by a lack of skills, safety concerns, or access to a working bicycle. Through our work this year with Dover Elementary, a Title I school in San Pablo, we’ve seen the transformative impacts that free bike repair and education can have on a family and community.
Leveling up bike skills
In November we hosted a bilingual Youth Bike Rodeo at the school to provide safe and supportive spaces for students, parents, and teachers to grow their biking skills and confidence. Twenty people participated, and five parents signed up to participate in our bike bus.
Free Bike Repair
We followed that with a Free Bike Repair Day in January. In partnership with the BikeMobile and Bad Business Model Bikes, we repaired 21 bikes, and distributed 6 bikes to school staff and parents. This repair day was critical for folks who rely on their bicycle for transportation or don’t currently use their bicycle because it’s in disrepair. There is not currently a bike shop in the City of San Pablo and access to repairs and maintenance can be a major barrier to folks wanting to bike more often.
With this bike repair, 1 father & daughter tandem bike had their tandem fixed, and 3 school staff members were ready to help support the Bike Bus.
The principal had not ridden a bike in 25 years and was given a bike. They could now join as well!
"It was my favorite" - The Dover bike Bus Launch!
In February, we trained parent volunteers and launched the bike bus in March!
Launch day was beautiful and sunny. Bike East Bay and 511 Contra County staff joined to celebrate the new Bike bus.
The ride led us up new protected bike lanes on Rumrill Blvd and along Wildcat Creek on the Wildcat Creek Trail.
Before hopping back on the road again, we rode through John Herbert Davis Park. The bright green grass looked beautiful in the morning sun.
When we got to school, Davis from Contra Costa Health handed out goodie bags to the kids.
“I’ve always wanted one of these!” a student exclaimed after finding a bell for their bike in the goodie bag.
When asked about the ride, they responsded “It was my favorite!”
More info about Bike buses
Here are some resources where you can learn more about how to start your own bike bus in your East Bay neighborhood:
- Alameda County Safe Routes to School – Starting a Bike Train (Bus)
- Contra Costa Walk & Roll to School
- Bike Bus World
You are also welcome to contact us at the links below, or subscribe to our eNews to hear more about the work we do.