Beiriger Elementary students arrive at school via the “bike bus”

One of the best things about living in a town like Griffith is that it’s small enough that most students can ride their bike to school. But that’s better — and more fun — when done in a group.

Since the weather got nicer, Beiriger Elementary students are pedaling together to and from school on one day a week through a group activity called the “bike bus.”

The bike bus idea originated with Robby Dragomer, Director of Technology for Griffith Public Schools, who saw a TikTok video of another school promoting group ridership among students.

He approached Beiriger Assistant Principal Deb Carver with the idea and she wholeheartedly agreed. Together, they laid out the bike routes and started generating interest with students. They had their first ride on May 13.

“We had school staff at each starting location at four areas around town,” Dragomer said. “Parents could see the routes each group were taking to Beiriger and students could ‘get on the bus’ anywhere along the way. Griffith Police and VEST escort each group, which is especially helpful crossing railroad tracks and busy streets. The plan was to have everyone arriving about the same time to Beiriger for the start of school.”

The bike bus brought together not only the students but also Beiriger teachers, maintenance staff, cafeteria staff and technology professionals, as well as Superintendent of Schools Leah Dumezich, leading groups.

“Beiriger students are in grades 3-5, so they are the right age for this,” Dragomer said. “Most can ride independently but also with a large group. Students are excited to start the day riding their bike to school with their friends and classmates. Students get to burn off some energy before entering school, and it’s great to see how happy and positive they are when they enter the building at the start of the day.”

The school held a second bike bus on May 20, but with school out now for the year, they’ll pick it up again in the fall.

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.