‘Children arrive energised’ Longford Bike Bus initiative promotes vital road-safety awareness
St John’s National School, Longford expands Bike Bus as community support grows
St John’s National School, Longford, is celebrating the rapid growth of its Bike Bus initiative, which first rolled out on Wednesday, May 20 from Longford Slashers GAA grounds to the school on the Battery Road.
A Bike Bus is a supervised group of cyclists, where children travel together to school in a safe convoy supported by teachers and Gardaí.
The project reflects the school’s strong commitment to active travel, wellbeing and community partnership.
St John’s NS Home School Community Liaison coordinator Enda Ward said the school-home-community approach has been central to its success.
“The children absolutely love cycling together, and parents have been brilliant in supporting the Bike Bus. It’s building confidence, friendships, and a real sense of pride in the school.”
Garda support has been key to ensuring safety along the route.
Sergeant James Rowan praised the school’s proactive approach, “It’s an excellent initiative, reinforcing bike safety and ensuring all children wear helmets and high-viz clothing.”
Sergeant Rowan continued, “It also promotes vital road-safety awareness, helping pupils learn how to cycle responsibly and share the road safely with other users.”
The initiative aligns with major investment in local cycling infrastructure.
On June 17, 2025, Minister Seán Canney opened Longford’s €3.5 million Battery Road Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme.
The Minister praised the County Council’s ambition, stating that “Longford County Council must be commended on their vision for the town, and the ‘can do’ approach to the delivery of this Pathfinder project.”
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The idea for the Bike Bus followed a bike-skills workshop by Madeline Doyle of Longford Sports Partnership, which sparked strong pupil interest.
Recognising that many children lacked access to a bike or helmet, the school launched a donation appeal to create a bike library.
St John’s NS extends particular thanks to Melissa Eager of Club Ardagh for her generous contribution of bicycles. Donations of bikes and helmets are still welcome.
The Bike Bus now forms part of a wider effort at St John’s NS to promote healthy habits, sustainable travel, road-safety awareness and improved attendance.
Principal Daphne Barden said the impact is clear. “You can feel the positivity it brings. The children arrive energised, smiling and ready for the day. It reduces traffic at the school gate and strengthens our whole community.”
St John’s NS plans to continue expanding its cycling initiatives and hopes the Bike Bus will inspire other schools across Longford to explore similar projects.