Riding a bike to school can be tough in Nome. The roads have tiny shoulders and only a handful have sidewalks. In late May, students at Anvil City Science Academy tried a safer way to make the trip – together.
Despite overcast skies and strong winds, ACSA student Tessa Timbers-Payenna was ready for the ride.
“We woke up early and had a big breakfast,” she said.
Timbers-Payenna joined nearly two dozen other middle school students for the inaugural ride. Jeff Collins, a parent of an ACSA student, led the group.
“Nice job coming to the first bike bus. It’s going to be hard because we’re going to be going into the wind, I’m going to say that right away,” Collins told the students.
Before setting off, Collins reviewed safety rules and demonstrated the whistle signals he would use at road crossings.
ACSA Principal Emily Annas organized the event after seeing a similar ride in Portland, Oregon, on social media. The latest incarnation of Portland’s Bike Bus began in 2022 and has since expanded to 32 schools.
“I love our kids, and I love our community, and I just want to do things that are like core memory events, and I hope for them this is a core memory because I know for me it will be,” Annas said.
Annas said riding together makes students more visible to drivers, helping make the four-mile route safer.
Nearly an hour and a half after starting, the riders rounded the corner onto campus to cheers and handmade signs.
With just days left in the school year, Collins said the ride was a good test for future events.
“Part of it is building the culture around it,” Collins said. “This is honestly the absolute safest ride I’ve ever been on.”
That afternoon, students strapped on their helmets and made the trip home.
