Sam Balto wanted to get kids’ bodies moving and get them excited to go to school. He had a very simple idea that has turned into a movement that’s changed lives. Sam created Bike Bus World. He and other trusted adults wear bright yellow jackets while on their bikes and act as the bus driver. As they ride through their neighborhoods, they pick up other bike riders and form a chain of kids biking to school. Seeing these children engage with their peers and looking forward to going to school is surprisingly emotional. Coach Balto has more than 730,000 followers on TikTok who watch the Bike Bus and cheer the kids along.
Videos by InspireMore
The Bike Bus is Uniting Communities
Even those who don’t participate in the Bike Bus ride will stand on the streets and bang cow bells, encouraging the kids to keep riding. Coach Balto plays music and makes the ride fun for everyone involved. When we say the Bike Bus riding along with Frankie Smith’s 1981 song, “Double Dutch Bus,” playing, we couldn’t stop smiling. It’s just amazing. Trust us, plenty of people agree.
“I’d be so excited to hear music in my neighborhood like this knowing it’s just babies vibing going to school,” someone wrote.
Others recognized how cool this is for the kids.
“As a preschool teacher, I can only imagine what this does to the rest of their day when they get to start them in such a joyful, healthy way,” a teacher wrote.
And, there are people like us who are misty-eyed watching the bike bus.
“Why does the bike bus make me cry? Literally every single time,” one person wrote.
“Why is this making me CRY,” another agreed.
We don’t know why we’re crying, but we love it. Ciach Balto, you are one incredible man, and those kids have no idea how lucky they are.
This story’s featured image can be found here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
