Walking and Bike Buses to School

The school run doesn’t have to be a rush. No more circling for parking, no more stress at the gate.

The Buzz is GM’s walking and bike bus project – and it’s now up and running in Manchester and Trafford.

Children who are physically active in the morning arrive at school calmer, more focused, and ready to learn. Research shows that just 20 minutes of activity before school can improve concentration and behaviour for up to four hours. Kids who walk or cycle regularly are also more likely to sleep better, stay healthy, and build the kind of confidence and independence that lasts a lifetime.

The Buzz makes it easy.

Bike Buzz: cycle to school every Friday

Every Friday, children cycle to school with their friends, led by a ride leader on a safe and sociable route – parents come along too. No specialist kit is required, just show up and ride.

Every Friday · show up & ride

A child waving happily surrounded by a group of children cycling to school together

Walk Buzz: walk to school together every Friday

Same Friday, on foot. Children walk to school with their friends while parents catch up along the way – and there’s always time for a coffee once the kids are at school.

Same Friday · on foot

Parents and children walking to school together along a residential street

A good city has kids outside

Right now, many children are driven to school – even when they live less than a mile away. Air quality outside school gates suffers. Children miss out on daily movement that their bodies and minds need. The school gate becomes one of the most congested, stressful places in the neighbourhood.

The Buzz changes that

It builds a habit and skill on the road children can take into their teenage years. It builds a community of people who want to see less traffic in their neighbourhood. And it gives children fresh air, exercise and independence – safe routes, real community, every Friday.

A child playing outside with a hula hoop

Questions about The Buzz

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A bike bus is a group of children cycling to school together along a safe, sociable route, led by a ride leader, with parents welcome to ride along. The Bike Buzz runs every Friday.

A walking bus is the same idea on foot: children walk to school together with friends while parents come along. The Walk Buzz runs on the same Friday.

No specialist kit is required. Just show up and ride, or walk.

The Buzz is running in Manchester and Trafford. Our project coordinator, Missie Hall, helps schools set a Buzz up from scratch and map the routes. Get in touch to sign your school up.

The Buzz is delivered by Walk Ride Greater Manchester, in partnership with Manchester City Council, Trafford Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and Mums for Lungs, and funded by Active Travel England.