The idea involves children being collected whilst on their bikes and then being chaperoned to school by volunteer parents.
Mercy Convent Primary School in Naas has organised it's first ever 'bike bus' which began this morning (18 September).
The idea involves children being collected whilst on their bikes and then being chaperoned to school by volunteer parents.
It ties in with Road Safety Month in partnership with independent radio stations responding to increased road deaths across the country.
Speaking on Kildare Today, parents association member Bob Quinn said 42 participants attended for the inaugural 'bike bus' gathering, estimating that 50 car journeys were off the road as a result.
"It's the first time we've ever done this, we met down at K Leisure at 8:30am and proceeded in the area of Caragh Court."
A number of stops were accommodated, including at Sarto Road and Naas Harbour, before travelling in the direction of the school.
"We had a number of adult volunteers and we were well supported by the local Gardaí, so everyone was safe, everyone was comfortable on their bike.
"There was laughter and chat between friends, it was really such a positive experience. There was such a response that shows people might want a more active way to get to school."
Bob says himself and other parents had been moving the idea forward in recent months, acknowledging that travelling via the main street before 9am is "not ideal", but despite that, the group have "demonstrated an overwhelming appetite to get to school using different methods".
"There's a lot of children very happy to get on their bikes, get the blood flowing before they get into the classroom, and certainly will we see a huge uptake in those opting to get out of the cars and onto the roads."
On arrival, the group were warmly met with a cheer by other students and teachers, with Bob stressing that this "is the first of many" for the 'bike bus' idea, in a push to take cars off the road in Naas and create a healthy and safe environment for children travelling to school.
The full interview can be heard below:
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