A Lehighton Borough official plans to launch a fun and safe alternative way for children and parents to get to school together by bike.

Lehighton Bike Bus, a bike to school program, would start up in September and is the brainchild of borough Councilwoman Dr. Jordyn Miller.

Miller posted information about the program on her Facebook page, and noted the program is for middle-school age children in the Lehighton Area School District.

She said the Lehighton Bike Bus will ride to the Lehighton Area Middle School only; no elementary or high school routes are planned as of now.

Miller said there will be two routes, the Coal Street ride, and the Iron Street ride, for which departure time will be 6:30 a.m.

She said starting in September, the Coal Route will be the first and third Wednesday of each month, while the Iron Route is the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Miller said the first Coal Street ride is Sept. 3, while the first Iron Street ride is Sept. 8, and added that the routes were created following crossing guard stations.

She noted the program is not affiliated with Lehighton Borough Council/Parks and Rec, local businesses or any nonprofits.

Instead, Miller explained it’s a grassroots, community-based movement that she started planning about a half-year ago.

“It’s a group of adults who lead a planned bike route to school, picking up more bikers along the way — kind of like a school bus, but powered by pedals and fun,” said Miller, who added she was inspired after watching videos of Coach Balto, an elementary school gym teacher and the creator of Bike Bus World, ride to school with a huge group of students and parents every week. “Over the last six months I’ve been talking to and meeting with other Bike Bus leaders around the United States and I’m now ready to ride.”

Miller said she’ll be the captain, while her husband, Paul, will be the caboose.

Last but not least, she said their Bike Bus Doggy Mascot, Lola, will be along for the ride as well.

She said that kids, parents and teachers, are welcome.

Miller explained that the Lehighton Bike Bus will:

• Provide a great way to exercise before school.

• Build independence and community.

• Reduce the school drop offline.

• Teach students how to safely navigate road riding.

• Get everyone excited about bikes again.

Miller said Lehighton Middle School requires permission slips to be signed by parents allowing students to ride their bike to school.

She said helmets and human-powered bikes are the only requirements, and that numerous people have graciously reached out saying they’d like to donate a helmet, bike lock, etc., if a child needs one, and encouraged them to send an email to hello@lehightonbikebus.com if their child is in need of one.

Miller noted that by law in Pennsylvania, e-bikes are illegal for children under the age of 16, and helmets are required for children under 12.

She added this is an informal bike ride, as kids ride at their own risk.

Miller said parents are encouraged to join for added safety, and are responsible for picking up their children after school.

For maps and more info, visit https://lehightonbikebus.com/

Miller said anyone interested in volunteering, participating, or have questions, may comment on her Facebook post or send her a message.

She said ways people can stay connected are to:

• Join their private Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/LehightonBikeBus

• Sign up for email updates: www.tinyurl.com/bike-bus-email

• Follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lehightonbikebus

• Visit www.lehightonbikebus.com for maps, schedule and safety

• All questions can be emailed to Miller at hello@lehightonbikebus.com