31 July 2026

From New School Shoes to Bike Buses: How Cycling Is Becoming Part of the School Run

Children with bicycles in an urban neighbourhood.

Quick Read

• Families are preparing for the new school year with everyday shoes, sports shoes, indoor shoes and waterproof footwear.
• More children are cycling to school through organised "bike bus" initiatives accompanied by adults.
• Austrian bicycle maker woom and Cycling Austria have announced a long-term partnership to encourage young riders.
• The right footwear can improve comfort and safety for children who cycle to school every day.

As the summer holidays move towards their final weeks, many parents are checking shopping lists rather than homework. Before the first school bell rings, everyday shoes, indoor slippers, sports shoes and waterproof boots often top the list. But for a growing number of Austrian primary school children, one pair of shoes may have to do double duty: comfortable enough for the classroom and suitable for the journey there by bicycle.

Preparing for school starts with the right footwear

Retailers traditionally see a surge in demand before the school year begins. This week, footwear retailer Deichmann highlighted the essentials many families review before September: everyday shoes, sports shoes for physical education, indoor slippers required by many primary schools, and waterproof footwear for rainy days.

The distinction between everyday shoes and sports shoes, however, is becoming less clear. Many children now wear athletic-style trainers throughout the day. For pupils cycling to school, that choice can also be practical, provided the shoes offer the right balance between walking comfort and cycling stability.

Bike buses are changing the morning school run

The growing popularity of organised bike buses reflects a broader shift in how children travel to school. A bike bus works much like a traditional school bus, except children ride bicycles together along a fixed route while parents and volunteers accompany the group. The adults supervise intersections, help maintain a safe formation and provide reassurance for younger riders.

The idea first gained international attention in Barcelona in 2021 before arriving in Austria in 2022. Early Austrian bike bus routes appeared in Vienna, while the movement has expanded steadily with support from organisations including Radlobby Österreich and the Mobility Agency Vienna. The first daily, year-round bike bus in the German-speaking world began operating in Vienna in 2023, demonstrating that organised cycling to school can work throughout the year—even in less favourable weather.

The initiative has also attracted support from industry. Vienna-based children's bicycle manufacturer woom, founded in 2013 and now selling bicycles in more than 40 countries, launched its woom2school programme in 2023 to encourage safe and climate-friendly school journeys and has promoted bike bus initiatives internationally.

A new partnership aims to strengthen youth cycling

This week, woom announced a new long-term partnership with Cycling Austria, the Austrian Cycling Federation, which serves as the national governing body for cycle sport while also promoting youth participation, cycling culture and road safety.

The cooperation focuses on school and club projects, youth training sessions, events and practical product testing. According to the announcement, children will test bicycles in real-life environments ranging from schoolyards to pump tracks and mountain bike trails, with their feedback contributing to future product development.

Although no dates or locations for the first joint projects have yet been announced, the nationwide structure of Cycling Austria suggests that activities could eventually reach schools and clubs across several federal states rather than remaining concentrated in one region. Alongside everyday cycling, the partnership places particular emphasis on introducing children safely to mountain biking and identifying young sporting talent.

Small details matter on the ride to school

Whether children join a bike bus or cycle independently with their families, footwear deserves more attention than it often receives.

Cycling specialists generally recommend shoes with a medium-stiff sole that distributes pressure evenly across the pedal while still remaining comfortable for walking. A flat, grippy rubber outsole provides reliable traction on wet or dry pedals, while a firm heel counter helps keep the foot stable during pedalling. The fastening system is equally important. Loose shoelaces can become caught in the bicycle chain or gears, so hook-and-loop fasteners, elastic quick-lacing systems or dial closures are often safer alternatives for younger riders.

The growing popularity of children's cycling is also extending into related products. Just days before woom announced its partnership with Cycling Austria, the Vienna-based bicycle manufacturer introduced a limited-edition footwear collaboration with California brand Lusso Cloud. The children's slip-on shoes are designed for everyday movement, featuring a lightweight EVA and rubber construction, a cushioned footbed, a flexible tread for grip on wet surfaces and a water-friendly design. Rather than being specialist cycling shoes, they reflect the broader trend towards versatile footwear that supports active children throughout the day—from the bike ride to school to the classroom and playground.

As schools prepare for another academic year, mobility is becoming part of the conversation alongside school supplies. Comfortable shoes remain essential—but for an increasing number of Austrian children, they are no longer only for walking through the school gates, but also for pedalling there.

Image: Children of different ages wearing helmets gather with bicycles in a modern residential square, illustrating active mobility and safe cycling for young riders. © woom GmbH.