Pogo Celebrates National Bike to School Day

Every first Wednesday in May, kids across the country trade the bus and the car line for their bikes. And this year, Pottawatomie County showed up and showed out too. 

National Bike to School Day is part of the larger National Bike Month — a nationwide celebration of what happens when we swap four wheels for two. Whether you're biking to work, running errands on two wheels, or just trading the car for a trail on a Saturday morning, National Bike Month is a reminder that alternative transportation can be a simple way to build more movement into your day without changing your schedule.

National Bike to School Day puts the focus on kids specifically, creating a space for them to build healthy habits early and learn how to hit the streets safely. It’s also a reminder for families that the daily trip to school can look a little different than rush hour.

Jefferson Elementary Bike Bus

On May 6, 2026 Pogo joined Shawnee Public Schools for their Bike Bus to Jefferson Elementary. Kids lined up, helmets on, ready to roll for about a mile through the neighborhood before the school bell rang. A police escort led the way, and administrators, faculty, parents, and volunteers flanked the route making sure every rider was safe, smiling, and having the time of their morning.

Why Bike to School Day Matters

At Pogo, we talk a lot about living a little longer in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Turns out, the habits that help us do that start young. Kids who walk or bike to school regularly get more physical activity, arrive more focused, and build independence that sticks with them far into adulthood. 

Getting kids moving before first period is great for their brains and bodies. Plus, the healthy habits they build now? Those stick around a lot longer than a spelling test.

And that's a plus for the whole community.

The ABCs of Bike Safety

Before the wheels started rolling, Pogo volunteers made sure every kid knew their ABCs. Not the classroom kind — the bike kind.

A — Air

Check your tires before every ride. They should feel firm, not squishy. Low air makes steering harder and flats more likely. A quick squeeze before you roll goes a long way.

B — Brakes

Give both brake levers a squeeze before you take off. Brakes should feel snappy and responsive, not loose or mushy. If something feels off, don't ride until it's fixed.

C — Chain

Take a quick look at your chain. It should sit on the gears, move smoothly, and not look rusted or stretched. A well-oiled chain means a smooth, safe ride.

Bonus tips for parents and kids:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet. It should sit level on your head, two fingers above your eyebrows, not tilted back like a baseball cap.

• Wear bright colors or add lights if you're riding in the early morning. Be seen!

• Ride single file in the street, stay as far right as safely possible, and follow traffic signs just like a car would.

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don't assume they see you.

• Keep both hands on the handlebars. TikTok can wait.

Go Ride Your Bike!

National Bike to School Day is one morning a year. But here's the thing: there's nothing stopping you from making it an every Tuesday thing. Or Thursday thing. Or every-dang-day thing.

Whether you're in Shawnee, Tecumseh, McLoud, or anywhere in between, riding bikes in Oklahoma is a great option for seeing your city. If the weather's right and the distance works, throw the backpack on, pump the tires up, and ride. 

Your kid gets fresh air, a little exercise, and a story to tell before first bell. You get a slower, sweeter start to the morning and the satisfaction of knowing you're setting them up for success.

Everybody wins.

Come live a little. Longer.