On select mornings in western Kentucky, something special rolls toward Lone Oak Intermediate School (LOIS). Helmets buckled. Tires humming. Laughter echoing down the street. It’s called a Bike Bus, and at LOIS, it has become a joyful, community-powered way to start the school day.

A Community Idea Takes Root

The Bike Bus was launched in spring 2024 by local volunteer Desi Ginn, who was inspired by similar efforts happening across the country. With his granddaughter attending Lone Oak Intermediate at the time, the school felt like the perfect place to begin.

While the Bike Bus is not a school-sponsored event and is organized entirely by outside volunteers for insurance purposes, the support from Lone Oak Intermediate has been unmistakable.

Ginn says the success of the program has depended on strong partnerships and community trust.

Assistant Principal Sara Leonard describes the program as “truly magical.”

“I vividly remember standing by my car and watching all their smiling faces as they rode by,” she shared. “I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

What Is a Bike Bus?

A Bike Bus is a structured group ride to school, led by adult volunteers along a designated route. At Lone Oak, approximately 25 to 30 students ride each week, accompanied by a strong team of community volunteers.

“They led the ride, ensured safety while going down the road, blocked off the street when we needed to cross, and stayed until all students were safely at LOI and their bikes were secured,” Leonard said.

With visible adult leadership and strong participation, the group makes a noticeable presence as they travel through the neighborhood.

“Cars stop. We make a presence when we come down the street,” Ginn shared.

Joy You Can See

For Leonard, one of the most powerful outcomes has been the energy the ride brings to students before they even step into the building.

“One student specifically stands out in my mind,” she said. “She is always so happy, but to say she was smiling is an understatement. Her grin went from ear to ear and I remember her riding beside me and saying, ‘I love LOI!!!!!’ She was having so much fun. This, no doubt, helped start her day in a positive way.”

Leonard also rode alongside her own daughter during one of the Bike Bus mornings.

“It was special for many reasons,” she said. “I was able to see her ride with her friends. They smiled the whole ride.”

Beyond the smiles, she observed something deeper.

“I saw camaraderie as they watched out for each other and learned the skills needed to bike as a group.”

Students ride together as part of the Lone Oak Intermediate Bike Bus, a volunteer-led program bringing students to school safely by bike.

More Than a Ride

The Bike Bus builds more than physical activity into the school day.

“It’s not just about fun or exercise,” Ginn said. “It’s about teaching kids the rules of the road and making bikes a normal part of everyday travel. The more drivers see us, the more awareness we build.”

Beyond safety skills, school leaders have observed meaningful social and emotional benefits among students.

Leonard believes strongly in the power of beginning the day outdoors.

“I am a firm believer that being outside is incredibly important for everyone, especially kids. It is healthy for our minds and bodies to enjoy nature, especially in the morning. Starting the day with a little physical activity is a great way to naturally wake up and prepare for the rest of the day.”

For her personally, the experience was energizing.

“The laughter I heard and the smiles I saw were good for my heart.”

Community in Motion

One of the most surprising elements for school leadership was the turnout of volunteers.

“I was blown away with the number of parents and volunteers who showed up,” Leonard said. “I met adults who are members of the local biking community and took time from their day to support our students.”

The Bike Bus is supported by local sponsors and community partners, further demonstrating how shared effort makes the program sustainable.

“The more people you can involve in helping with it, the more successful it will be,” Ginn said.

Looking Ahead

The Bike Bus is expected to resume this spring, likely after Lone Oak’s spring break in early April, weather permitting.

As communities across Kentucky look for ways to promote safe, active, and joyful movement for students, Lone Oak offers a powerful example of what can happen when volunteers step forward and schools welcome collaboration.

The result?

Smiling faces.
Confident riders.
A positive start to the day.

And a visible reminder that biking can be a normal, safe, and celebrated part of everyday life.