Kingsolver Elementary Hosts First-Ever Bike Bus
On May 13, faculty, staff, and students from Kingsolver Elementary School pedaled their way to school on the first-ever Bike Bus. The event, held during an early release day, aimed to foster a love for biking, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community ties on Fort Knox.
The Bike Bus was the brainchild of special education teacher Mrs. Rathbun. After her tween enthusiastically approved it as a “cool” idea, Rathbun rallied support from faculty, staff, and base partners, including the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Military Police, Traffic/Weather Control, Fort Knox Garrison, the School Board, and the Community Superintendent’s Office. Extensive planning meetings ensured robust safety measures, effective traffic control, and clear communication across the Fort Knox community.
Dozens of students, joined by parents and teachers, cycled together to school, with former school board president Mrs. Sanchez driving behind to carry students’ bookbags. Parents lined the route, cheering on the riders. One student exclaimed, “The bike bus is the best bus ever,” while another wished, “I could take the bike bus every day.”
“This was a wonderful way to begin the day, build community, and create happy memories for our young scholars,” said Dr. Torregano, Kingsolver’s principal. “Cycling is a life skill and so important for our young scholars.”
The event also sparked enthusiasm among educators. “This was so much fun for our kids, a great way to start the day,” said Mrs. Matthews, a strategic literacy teacher. Mrs. Downs, a special education teacher, added, “It is exciting to participate in the bike bus.”
To prepare, the school held an information session for parents and shared details through base-wide communications to ensure awareness and safety. Dr. Kewin, the physical education teacher, plans to incorporate biking skills into the curriculum to build on the event’s success.
“This was such a fun activity for the kids and really connected them to school,” said Mrs. Sanchez.
The Bike Bus not only brought smiles and exercise to Kingsolver’s students but also set a precedent for sustainability and community spirit at Fort Knox.
