As thousands of Silicon Valley students prepare to return to school, many families are considering biking as an alternative to increasingly crowded school drop-offs. But what does that commute actually look like?
Mountain View High School student Mia knows firsthand. She rides an e-bike to school regularly and says being a successful bike commuter comes down to preparation, education and understanding the realities of riding in traffic. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Practice your route before school starts
- Ride with a friend or family member
- Learn the turns ahead of time
- Don't rely on GPS while riding
- Leave extra time
- Prepare for weather
- Lock your bike securely
- Know where your school’s bike cages are
- Zero distractions
- Wear a helmet
- Learn basic bike repair (share with your friends!) Join us at one of our next events.
To start, Mia recommends planning out your route and checking the map, then riding the route your first or first few times with another rider, like a parent or older sibling. You can use the Bike Route Maps & Guides from Silicon Valley Bike Coalition as a starting point to get familiar with available trails and routes. Check with your local city and school district websites to see what other resources are available – here are several to get started:
- City of Mountain View – Safe Routes to Schools
- City of Palo Alto – Safe Routes to School
- City of Santa Clara – Safe Routes to School
- City of Sunnyvale – Safe Routes to School
- City of San Jose – Walking & Biking Program
- City of East Palo Alto – Biking and Commuting Resources
Be mindful of other trail and road users. It’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings. For this reason, headphones are not recommended on many parts of local trails, including overpasses on the Stevens Creek Trail. Save socializing and catching up with friends for time off the bike – it can be too distracting to visit while riding.
Be sure to think through gear and clothing: a bike accessory bag or saddle bag can help carry your extra items like a bike lock or change of clothes. Bike lights or reflector vests could still be a good idea for added visibility, even though you may not be riding at night.
With a little preparation and practice, you can start a new habit this year and enjoy the benefits of biking to school! Share this article and these resources with your friends and family members with students.
Interested in bike repair and not sure where to start? Email us at