The Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association (TRMBA), along with the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association (TRORA) are in the fundraising stage for a bike bus to start this spring.
“We will be rolling in Spring 2026—bringing kids and families together for a fun, safe, and active way to get around our community,” says Jane Miedzinski, who is spearheading the bike bus. “To launch this program, we’re inviting local businesses and community partners to become bike bus sponsors.
But what is a bike bus?
Basically, it is a group bike ride with kids that functions like a school bus.
Instead of everyone biking to school on their own, a group of adults and kids set out on a set route. Along the way, more kids will join in at stops along the way. An adult will lead the ride, while a second will ride in the back to make sure none of the kids get lost. “Everyone arrives together at school!” says Miedzinski.
There are many benefits to bike buses. One is increased physical activity and improved physical health by providing a dose of daily exercise. More than just physical health, getting out and being active boosts mental health, leaving children more alert and relaxed for school.
Safety and Confidence: Riding in a group makes children more visible to drivers, improving safety compared to riding alone. It teaches valuable road safety skills and builds confidence.
It means fewer automobiles traveling to and from the school and in the parking lot, reducing congestion and improving air quality.
It gives the kids and the adults a chance to hang out and interact with one another, developing new social bonds, and it develops sustainable, active transportation habits in children which may continue on into adulthood.
But in order to make it work, there is safety gear, programing and other administrative costs that need to be covered.
There are three levels of support. Businesses can kick in at the Gold Supporter level, which is $1000, at the Silver Supporter Level, at $500, and at the Bronze Supporter Level, or $250.
“Every level of support makes a difference and helps keep this positive, healthy initiative accessible for everyone,” says Miedzinski. “The more we raise, the more we can provide!”
Goals include bike bus orientation sessions, t-shirts or vests for each child, and a helmet program for any child in need.
“TRMBA and TRORA will not keep any of the proceeds; all funds will support the bike bus and the families who ride with us. Let’s keep Tumbler Ridge moving together, and have some fun while doing it! ”
If you or your business would like to support the bike bus—or want more details—please email Miedzinski at tumblerridgemba@gmail.com, or call (250) 242-8885. For more information on the club, visit www.trmba.ca.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
