A Joyful, Sustainable Way to Ride to School in Australia
At Dutch Cargo Bike, we’re on a mission to make school runs more joyful, community-driven, and sustainable. One exciting way we’re achieving this is through the growing movement of Bike Buses. Whether you're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Canberra, this idea is spreading fast—and it’s changing the way families commute.
A Bike Bus is a group of children and adults cycling together to school on a planned route. Think of it like a school bus, but powered by pedals, smiles, and community spirit. And with the help of an electric bike or electric cargo bike, it's accessible to all kinds of riders—parents with toddlers, carers, or even teachers.
What Is a Bike Bus?
A Bike Bus is a community-led initiative where children and carers ride to school together, picking up more riders at designated stops. It’s a safe, supportive and fun way to get to school, building a sense of connection before the bell even rings.
One standout success story is the Victoria Park Bike Bus in Perth. Supported by the Town of Victoria Park, Department of Transport WA, and the Road Safety Commission, this weekly event gathers local students, parents, and educators for a cheerful, safe commute. Central to the group is a Cargo Bike sponsored by us at Dutch Cargo Bike, which helps carry kids who aren’t yet riding independently.
As one Year 1 student from Lathlain Primary put it:
“I like to ride on the long bike because I don't have to ride, but I can still be part of the group.”
That’s the magic of an e-cargo bike. Everyone can join in—whether they’re pedalling or just enjoying the ride.
Why Bike Buses Make Sense in Australia
Bike Buses aren’t just fun—they’re smart. Here’s why this movement is gaining momentum in major Australian cities:
🚴♀️ Health & Wellbeing
Children who walk, ride or scoot to school are more alert, physically active, and better prepared to learn. Studies show that active travel supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and concentration in class. According to the Victorian Government’s Achievement Program, active travel fosters lifelong healthy habits and improves children's readiness to learn.
🌏 Environment & Sustainability
Swapping the car for an eBike or electric cargo bike dramatically reduces emissions, particularly for short school runs. In urban areas like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, where traffic congestion is a daily headache, Bike Buses ease pressure on roads and reduce carbon footprints—one school ride at a time.
🛴 Safety & Infrastructure
Bike Buses often use existing paths and crossings, and their group nature creates visibility and safety in numbers. Local councils are beginning to support the infrastructure needed to encourage more active school commuting, with Merri-bek Council in Melbourne and the ACT Government in Canberra leading the way.
Why an Electric Cargo Bike Is the Perfect Choice
Parents love the flexibility and convenience of a Dutch electric cargo bike. Whether it's the Bakfiets.nl, Urban Arrow, or O2Feel Equo, these bikes:
Carry up to 3 or 4 children safely
Make hills and long distances easier with electric assist
Offer a smooth, sturdy, and low-maintenance ride
Replace the need for a second car or short car trips
For Bike Buses, a lead electric cargo bike is often the heartbeat of the group—offering support to little ones, carrying gear, or simply setting a steady pace for others to follow.
Coach Balto: The Global Bike Bus Hero
If you haven’t seen Coach Balto, go search for him now! Based in the U.S., Coach Balto leads dozens of students to school by bike each week and has become a symbol of how powerful—and joyful—Bike Buses can be.
His story has sparked global media attention and helped inspire Bike Bus movements in cities across the world, including here in Australia. With more support, we believe every school could have its own version of Coach Balto.
Dutch Cargo Bike Is Here to Help
We’re proud to support families and schools that want to start their own Bike Bus. Whether you're a parent in Adelaide dreaming of ditching the car, or a school principal in Sydney looking for new active travel programs, we’re here for you.
We offer:
✅ Free “How to Start a Bike Bus” Guide
✅ Discounts for Bike Bus Leaders on select electric cargo bikes
✅ Consultation and Support for councils and schools
✅ Workshops and Events across Australia
Let’s chat about how we can help launch a Bike Bus in your community.
A Call to Councils and Schools
Bike Buses are one of the simplest, low-cost ways to improve wellbeing, reduce traffic, and build community. If you're a local council, school leader, or parent body in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, or elsewhere—this is your invitation to get involved.
We can work with you to:
Supply a lead electric cargo bike for your school
Offer trial programs or bike library setups
Provide marketing materials and guidance
Help apply for active transport grants and programs
Let’s get more kids riding, more parents feeling confident, and more communities enjoying the ride to school together.
Join the Movement Today
Ready to start your own Bike Bus? 🚲
Want to learn how an e-cargo bike can transform your school runs?
📩 Get in touch with Dutch Cargo Bike today.
📞 Call us on 1300 414 843
📥 Email us or download the Bike Bus Guide
👥 Follow us on social media for inspiration
Let’s make Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra greener, safer, and more connected—one Bike Bus at a time.
Dutch Cargo Bike – Helping Families Rethink the School Run
