Walking and Biking “Buses” Create Safe Routes for Lander Students

In Lander, many students and families want to walk or bike to school, but face barriers like parents’ morning schedules, safety concerns for young children, and lack of proper equipment. As sidewalk improvements near Gannett Peak Elementary neared completion, one community member had an idea to capitalize on this infrastructure by organizing neighborhood-based walking and biking “buses” where adult volunteers lead groups of students along safe routes to school. This pilot program brings together multiple organizations—including Lander Climate Action Network, the Cycling Club, Wyoming Pathways, and the school district—to create volunteer-led routes within a mile of schools, allowing parents and students who want to walk or ride but can’t do so alone to participate safely. LOR’s funding helped purchase safety equipment and incentives like bike lights, locks, bells, water bottles, and drawstring backpacks distributed at celebratory kick-off and end-of-year events. By connecting neighbors and providing proper gear, this initiative helps families form their own grassroots transportation networks that can continue independently.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Lander Community Foundation.