Nice News - Bike Bus from Van Holten - Spring Travels to School

Eric Hartmann could not notice how his son Neal’s eyes lit up on the evening of Thursday, May 1.

“I reminded him that we will be riding our bikes to school the next morning,” Mr. Hartmann revealed. “And you could just see how his eyes lit up.”

Neal and his dad joined other parents and students, as well as staff members and officers from the Bridgewater Police Department, who gathered in the parking lot at the Glen Ridge Swim Club to pedal their way to Van Holten Primary School on the morning of Friday, May 2.

These bikers were the inaugural members of the newly formed Van Holten Bike Bus.

This physical and fun activity was the brainstorm of a Van Holten parent, Tremayne Reid, who has a daughter, Taylor, who is a 2nd Grade student at Van Holten.

“When I first thought about how my daughter, Taylor, gets to school every day, I realized there was an opportunity to make her journey safer, healthier, and more fun,” Mr. Reid said. “ I was then on social media and found a guy who has a national following @coachbalto and his story was similar. We seemed to have the same idea and passion, which inspired me to start a bike bus here in Bridgewater—a group of kids cycling together to school with adult supervision.”

On a beautiful morning of May 2, the bike riders all took off with a police escort from the swim club’s parking lot on Talamini Road and rode up to Country Club Road. Then the parade turned left and then pedaled to Stony Brook Road, where they turned right. They pedaled to the back path on that road that led to the rear of the Van Holten building.

This group ride to Van Holten will take off every Friday morning until the end of the school year.

That exercise is well-received by Bridgewater Police Officer Brian Eitner, who participated in the first-ever trip

“Riding with the students and parents from Van Holten School for the Bike Bus event was a great way to start the day. I look forward to biking with them until the end of the school year. Let’s ride into a great school day,’’ Officer Eitner declared.

Meghan Kipila encourages Van Holten students to read in her role as the school’s Library Media Specialist.

The students riding their bikes to school made an impression on her.

“They have motivated me to get on a bike and join the group. They inspired me to ride,” said Ms. Kipila, who pedaled with her Van Holten students on that morning of May 2.

Van Holten Principal George Rauh recalled his youth while he watched the students ride down from the back path to the school grounds.

“It is great to see things from the past. I used to ride to school,” Principal Rauh revealed. “It is nice to see the kids want to ride, and what a good way to start and end the day.”

Mr. Reid, the spearhead of this wonderful form of exercise and social involvement, provided his thoughts about opening day.

“The kickoff to the Bike Bus for Spring 2025 was a huge success! We had more attendance than initially expected, with almost 20 kids and a group of parents joining in on the fun. The weather was beautiful and it was a great way for some of the kids to put their new holiday gifts to use!” Mr. Reid stated.

He continued with his impression.

“I'm really proud of the way the community showed up to support this. I'd like to give a special thank you to the board members at the Glen Ridge Swim Club for allowing us to use their property as a safe meeting location for the kids. Additionally, huge thanks to Sergeant Kevin Florczak, Officer Brian Eitner for riding along with us and the entire Bridgewater Police Department for escorting us to ensure we could ride safely. Eric Hartmann from SeaLight Creative ( a parent and business owner) for capturing amazing shots of the event,’ Mr. Reid said.

“I started the bike bus because I remember how much I loved riding my bike as a kid, and I want to share that same joy with my daughters and our community. It's a great way to stay active, make new friends, gain some independence, and most importantly, have fun! I employ any kid who has an interest. please reach out to us and join.”

The link to gain information is below:

https://bridgewaternjbikebus.my.canva.site/

He finished with his summary:

“Last but not least, we're very grateful to Van Holten Principal George Rauh for supporting the initiative and preparing the bike racks for the kids to park their bikes at school.”

Young Neal Hartmann had this to add about his new means of travel to Van Holten.

“I like to ride the bike so I can get to school early.”

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