New D12 Bike Bus is setting the wheels in motion for kids

THE D12 Bike Bus is setting the wheels in motion for a more sustainable commute for parents and children, through the Southside and to Riverview Educate Together National School.

The D12 Bike Bus is a voluntary initiative made up of parents, adult volunteers and children, who wanted to have a greener start to the day by reducing their dependence on the car for the journey to school.

The bus operates along an identified route with stops along the way to collect children and their parents.

The parents and volunteer marshals, from Dublin Cycling Campaign, act as a barrier between the children and traffic.

Marshals are used to control certain crossings and politely ask drivers to yield for the Bike Bus as the children’s safety is paramount.

The Galway Cycle Bus was the inspiration behind the setting up of the D12 Bike Bus.

After many weeks trialing different routes and refining the timetable the parents, and children, got ready to officially launch the first Bike Bus within the South Dublin County Council jurisdiction.

The Bike Bus commences at Iveagh Gardens and travels along Crumlin Road, Bunting Road, Walkinstown Roundabout, St Peter’s Road, Mountdown Road and onto Limekiln Road where it terminates at Riverview Educate Together NS.

The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and features six stops along the way. The bus currently operates every Friday, but there are plans to extend this and the number of routes as interest and the school population grows.

Mayor Vicki Casserly of South Dublin County Council, participated on the D12 Bike Bus as part of the launch.

“I must commend the D12 Bike Bus on such a positive initiative for the parents and pupils at Riverview Educate Together NS,” she said.

“South Dublin County Council fully supports the development of lifelong cycling skills and the opportunity to gain some valuable exercise on the journey to school.”

Aodhán King (D12 Bike Bus leader), added: “Nine children typically ride the Bike Bus each week. That’s about six families, so six less cars on the road. It also means the accompanying parents can usually cycle onwards to their workplace, thereby enabling further cycled journeys.

“We want to promote our Bike Bus so that other road users in Dublin 12 are aware of us on the road in the mornings and to make a call for adult cycling volunteers.”

Experienced cyclists can meet the group on the Crumlin Road at 7.45am and cycle with them until 8.20am, when they reach their destination, after which they might consider volunteering.