Only works when all the parts move together
Bike Bus Accelerator
Support package programme
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Applications open 22 October
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Support package programme - Applications open 22 October -
BIKE BUS ACCELERATOR SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Start your Bike Bus. Grow your Bike bus.
Whether you want to start a new Bike Bus or grow an existing one, the Bike Bus Accelerator can help you move forward.
Apply for tailored support, from practical tools and equipment to expert guidance or funding for a specific need.
Applications open 22 October - 19 November 2026
Choose your route
There are two ways to apply for support.
START
I want to start a Bike Bus
For PE teachers, parents, school staff, Bicycle Mayors, community organisers and others who want to establish a new Bike Bus.
Tell us what you need to start, what is already in place and what would help you make your first Bike Bus happen.
Up to €500 of tailored support per selected initiative.
GROW
I already run a Bike Bus
For people already running a Bike Bus who want to strengthen, develop or sustain it.
Tell us where your Bike Bus is today, where you want to take it and what support could help you get there.
Up to €1000 of tailored support per selected initiative.
How do you apply? — 6 simple steps:
Choose START or GROW: Select the pathway that matches where your Bike Bus is today.
Tell us what you need: Complete a short application explaining your plans, current situation and what support would help you move forward.
Jury selection: Applications are reviewed based on criteria including motivation, need, feasibility, expected impact and potential to continue.
Support matched: If selected, we look at your needs and agree on the most appropriate support.
Start or grow: Put your support into action and move your Bike Bus forward.
Stay connected: Share short updates through the BYCS Network App and stay connected to the wider Bike Bus Accelerator community.
What support can you get?
Every Bike Bus is different. That is why there is no fixed support package.
When you apply, you tell us what is preventing your Bike Bus from starting or developing further and what would help you move forward. If selected, we match the support to your needs.
Ready to START or Grow?
Applications for the 2026 Bike Bus Accelerator Support Programme are open:
22 October - 19 November 2026
After applications close, the BBA jury will review applications and match selected initiatives with appropriate support.
Selected initiatives will be informed from 27 November
The definition
A group of children and adults traveling together to and/or from school.Modes of transit
Primarily by bike, but includes active travel like micro-mobility vehicles, walking, or running.Structure
Operates on a predefined schedule and route with a fixed departure point, intermediary stops, and school destinations.What it is NOT
A family cycling to school alone, children cycling independently, or a group without bicycles (like a walking school bus).
What is a bike bus?
Why are bike buses needed?
Children are cycling less.
Safety concerns and intimidating infrastructure make it difficult for many children to cycle independently to school.
Fewer children cycling today means fewer lifelong cyclists tomorrow.
What Bike Bus Accelerator Exists…
OUR MISSION
Empower the next generation of cyclists by making cycling to school safe, accessible and attractive for more children and families across Europe.
Bike Bus Acceclerator: Empowering the next generation of cyclists
01
THE CHALLENGE
Childhood cycling participation across Europe is under intense pressure due to parent safety concerns and intimidating infrastructure.
02
THE STATUS QUO
Dozens of grassroots ‘Bike Bus’ initiatives exist across Europe, safely moving kids to school, but they operate in isolation and struggle to scale.
Show your support by logging your ride with BYCS
More children cycling
Increase the number of children regularly cycling to school.
Stronger local Bike Buses
Launch new routes and help existing initiatives grow and thrive.
Long-term cycling culture
Build confidence and habits that turn today’s children into lifelong cyclists.
03
THE SOLUTION
The Bike Bus Accelerator (BBA) provides the strategic support, funding, and gear needed to turn fragmented volunteer efforts into a unified movement.
04
THE IMPACT
We empower local leaders to motivate children and families, securing the youth ridership of today and the healthy cities of tomorrow.
