People across Europe who want to start a school bike bus or keep one growing can now apply for tailored support from the Bike Bus Accelerator [BBA], the programme initiated by Shimano and delivered by global NGO BYCS.

A bike bus is simple: children and parents ride to school together, on a set route, at a set time, picking up riders along the way. It turns the school run into the best part of the morning – and shows what’s possible when streets prioritise people. Most bike buses are run by volunteers, and the barriers they face are rarely the same: one organiser might need practical guidance, another equipment, help engaging a school, more volunteers, or a small amount of funding for a specific need.

Maud de Vries, CEO of BYCS, said:

“Every bike bus starts with one person deciding the school run could be better. They might need funding, but it might also be a route plan, a second pair of hands, or someone who has done it before saying ‘here’s how’. That’s why we ask organisers what’s standing in their way, and give them exactly the push they need. If you’ve ever thought about starting a bike bus, or you’re running one and want it to last, this is for you.”

Rather than offering everyone the same support, the Bike Bus Accelerator asks applicants one question: what is stopping your bike bus from starting or growing? Selected initiatives are then matched with the support that best fits their needs, through two pathways:

•       START – for people who want to establish a new bike bus, including parents, PE teachers, school staff, Bicycle Mayors and community organisers. Selected initiatives receive tailored support worth up to €500.

•       GROW – for people already running a bike bus who want to strengthen, develop or sustain it. Selected initiatives receive tailored support worth up to €1,000.

Successful applicants can get access to toolkits, equipment, tips from experienced bike bus leaders, expert advice and a whole Europe-wide network behind them. Around 40 initiatives are expected to be supported in this first round, with applications reviewed by a jury on motivation, need, feasibility and the potential to keep going.

Ties van Dijk, Advocacy Specialist at Shimano Europe, said:

“Bike buses are built by communities, and the people who run them give up their time every week to get children cycling safely to school. We want to support those communities and harness what we learn from this first round to help the movement grow across Europe in the years ahead.”

Supported bike buses will share short updates on their progress, helping build a picture of what organisers across Europe actually need – and shaping future rounds of the programme from 2027.

Applications are open from 22 October until 19 November at www.bikebusaccelerator.com.