Students arrived at class this fall with bicycles — and helmets — after community‑led “bike buses” began through neighborhoods to bring children to Roanoke City’s Crystal Spring Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School, organizers said.
The rides were a partnership of PedalSafe ROA, Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke Sheriff’s Office, and Nicole Black, a PedalSafe member and Crystal Spring parent. Black was a part of the Crystal Spring bike bus and said many students loved the program.
“They come to school excited and ready to start their day,” Black said about Crystal Spring’s bike bus. “One student said, ‘This was the best day of school.’ Parents seem to value it as well, and each week we have gained new riders. Teachers have shared their support and commented that they, too, see the benefits.”…