The group rode along designated routes, picking up riders at scheduled stops much like a traditional school bus — except participants travel by bicycle, accompanied by adult volunteers. Music played as the procession moved through the streets, and neighbors came outside to cheer. Children joined the growing group along the way, turning the commute into what one organizer described as a rolling celebration.

Brian Kellman, a member of the City of Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said the program responds to changing transportation habits and growing congestion around the school.

“Where kids used to ride their bikes everywhere and walking or riding to school was something that happened all the time. The parents current drop-off line is cramming up traffic on Savannah Road where the school is,” Kellman said. “For the kids, it’s just a fun thing to do. It gets them out in the morning, it gets them exercising, it gets them interacting with their classmates and other adults who are participating.”

He also cited limited bus capacity. “There’s not enough buses around here,” he said.

Organizers estimated about 45 people took part, though only 33 had registered in advance. Kellman called the gap a concern, noting that the school needs to know how students are arriving if they are not coming by bus or parent drop-off.

“That’s definitely an issue. This is something where you really want to know who’s on the ride and the school needs to know if they’re not arriving by bus or parent drop off, you know, how are they arriving?” he said.

Safety depends heavily on adult supervision. Volunteers monitor intersections, help riders who fall or have mechanical problems, and make sure the group can cross busier roads safely.

“It takes a lot of volunteers … We need more volunteers who can leave the kids that they’re riding with in case there’s kids who fall over when they’re riding or if there’s a mechanical issue,” Kellman said. “We need those adults getting ahead of the group and making sure an intersection that’s a little bit busier is clear to go through.”

Lewes is widely regarded as a bicycle-friendly community, but Kellman said motorists still need reminding that cyclists belong on the road.

“Lewes is a bike-friendly community, but a lot of times motorists forget that the road is supposed to be shared. Bicycles are considered vehicles,” he said. “Now you got these kids riding to school by bike.”

Beyond transportation, organizers see the rides as a way to build road literacy, confidence and friendships among students. Riding in a group gives children practice navigating streets and sharing the road with drivers while developing healthier morning routines.

Despite the logistical questions, the first ride appeared to deliver on its promise of community connection. The two routes arrived at school around the same time, Kellman said, and the scene outside the building felt like a party.

“The two groups, the two routes, got to school around the same time and it was almost like a party outside the front of the school,” he said.

Organizers plan to use the pilot to gather feedback and refine logistics. Kellman’s goal is to bring the bike bus back as a weekly program in the spring, with a possible additional ride this fall if weather allows.