Next up for Trash Warriors, and introducing the bike bus

Our wonderful community has inspired me with the turnout Trash Warriors has had. So, I'm introducing my newest community-strengthening event, and of course, I'm reaching out to my amazing community members to find a crew to get this project off the ground. But first, I'd like to remind all Trash Warriors our next gathering will be Sunday, July 5. Let's spend a couple of hours tackling Downtown Auburn and the surrounding areas after the crowds from July 4 have gone home. We'll meet at 9 a.m. behind City Hall. Bring your hat, water, gloves and a grabber if you have one (not mandatory, as we have plenty). OK, next is the bike bus. What is a bike bus, you may ask? A bike bus takes kids to school just like a regular bus, but the kids are on bikes. Once a week, we will meet in the same designated area and take off on our bikes. The route and departure time will always be the same, just like the buses, but everyone is on bikes. We'll incorporate a couple of "bus stops" to regroup and pick up a few more kids along the way, but overall, it's that simple. If you'd like to see what a bike bus looks like, you can go to Instagram or Facebook and check out Nevada City bike bus or get on YouTube and search bike bus. This concept began in Portland, Oregon, with PE teacher Coach Balto, who founded Bike Bus World. Here is the first sentence of their mission statement. "Bike Bus World is on a mission to transform the well-being of children, communities, and our climate, through biking together to school." There are hundreds of bike buses in the US, UK and Europe. I want Auburn to be on that map. Who's with me? Community support for Nevada City's bike bus has been over the top. The police, fire and probation departments escort the kids on their route, ensuring their safety. Neighbors come out and wave to the kids, cheering them on. Drivers are patient and willing to wait while the bus goes by. I had the pleasure of riding with them last month, and the energy from everyone who was there was contagious. There were miles of smiles from the kids, parents and community. Their last bus ride was on June 12. I understand about 100 people showed up. They are my motivation, and I hope yours as well. One teacher told Aidian, the bike bus leader, "It's the only day some of my kids show up on time for school." Bike buses help the kids and communities in which they live. Bike buses are about: Health and wellbeing: We are living in a youth mental health crisis. Daily opportunities to move, socialize and connect outdoors are proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Active school travel provides a built-in routine of movement, friendship and joy, all of which strengthen resilience and wellbeing. Education: Students who are active on their way to school arrive more alert, focused and ready to learn. Community: It brings the community together. People of all ages, with or without children, can ride the bus. Reduces automobile traffic: Parents who need to drop off their kids notice the lines are smaller at school on bike bus day. Independence: Children today have fewer opportunities to move through their neighborhoods on their own than any generation before. Safe streets and supportive infrastructure help restore independence, allowing kids to walk and bike to school, friends' houses and local parks. This freedom builds confidence and a sense of belonging in their community. If you are interested in volunteering, here is where I need help: I'm looking for three additional people who would want to "drive" the bus one time per month. We'll be serving EV Cain and Skyridge schools. Right now, the route I have is five miles, meeting at Maidu Market, stopping at Skyridge first, then off to EV Cain. I'll also need "corks," people who will ride ahead of us and stop cars at designated intersections, ensuring the safety of our kids. Lastly, we'll need someone to "sag," which is to be at the back of the bus to make sure all the kids stay with us. Yep, it will take a village for this one, and I'm counting on my fellow cyclists and the community to say, "I'm in." If you are, text me at 916-847-5128. I'll be planning a meeting in mid-July once a group is organized. And, if you're a local business who would like to donate some safety vests w/Bike Bus on the back, please reach out, as we will need them. Remember to spread kindness like it's confetti and Pack it in, Pick it up, Pack it out. Every Litter Bit Counts. Kristi Meyer is a Realtor at Granite Real Estate in Auburn. She has been serving the foothills for more than 20 years. If you have questions about Real Estate or need a Realtor, you can call or text her at 916-847-5128 or email her at ItMattersToKristi@gmail.com.