The ‘K-P Bike Bus’ was in operation Wednesday on the way to and from West Hartford’s King Philip Middle School.

With parents, the West Hartford Police, community members, and Mayor Shari Cantor and Town Council member Ben Wenograd as escorts, the K-P Bike Bus heads to King Philip Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton 

Wednesday morning’s balmy weather made for a great opportunity to take the “bus” – but not your regular large yellow school bus.

A group of community volunteers, some of whom are members of the nonprofit Bike West Hartford, led the “K-P Bike Bus,” and about a dozen students from King Philip Middle School participated, smiling as they rode along with the group as music played. The “bus” had a predetermined route and several stops, where the group also took the opportunity to enthusiastically cheer “Bike-Bus, Bike-Bus …”

“The K-P Bike Bus was a blast,” said Jay Stange, who organized the event in West Hartford on National “Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day,” which was also being promoted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

With parents, the West Hartford Police, community members, and Mayor Shari Cantor (in foreground) as escorts, the K-P Bike Bus heads to King Philip Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“We’re so grateful to the West Hartford Police Department for escorting the ride, community and parent volunteers including Town Council member Ben Wenograd for being safety marshals, and Mayor Cantor for riding with us,” Stange added.

Town Council member Ben Wenograd was one of the safety marshals for the K-P Bike Bus on Oct.. 4. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The group met at 7:15 a.m. at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Ardmore Street, and stopped at several points along the roughly 3-mile route to pick up additional King Philip students. All arrived at the school in plenty of time to lock up their bikes and get to class.

The K-P Bike Bus made a return trip at the end of the school day.

“We look forward to organizing a large ride in the spring and we welcome kids and parents to join us on the K-P Bike Bus every Wednesday during the school year, weather permitting,” said Stange, who said he can be contacted at 917-601-3165 for updates.

“The kids really enjoyed the ride and were chatting and cheering along the way. Riding to school on the K-P Bike Bus with my daughter is the best 20 minutes of my day,” Stange said.

With parents, the West Hartford Police, community members, and Mayor Shari Cantor and Town Council member Ben Wenograd as escorts, the K-P Bike Bus heads to King Philip Middle School. At right is Tracey Frankel of Bike West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.