If you’ve ever been out on a weekday morning in Worcester, you might not have seen us, but you have heard us. The Bike Bus is a bit of a rolling celebration: kids, parents, music, flags, stickers and a whole lot of pedalling. It’s Type 1 fun at its finest.
But as we’ve been riding, we’ve noticed something brilliant. We aren’t the only ones part of the journey. There’s the lady who always waves from her garden, the shopkeeper who gives us a thumbs-up, and the residents who come out just to see the Bike Bus go by.
To us, those people aren't just bystanders. They’re part of the joy. They’re part of our community. And we’ve decided it’s high time we made it official.
The Bike Bell Ambassadors
The idea is simple but, if we do say so ourselves, pretty wonderful. We want to thank the people who cheer us on and give them a way to cheer even louder. We want to take that feeling of connection we have on the bikes and extend it right to the front doors of the houses we pass.
Step 1: The Workshop
It all kicks off soon with our first Imagineering and Maker’s Workshop. This is where the magic starts, and crucially, it’s entirely led by the kids.
They’ll be creating an "Atlas of the Bus", a map of all the local legends they see on their route. We’re talking about the "Waving Lady’s House," the "Friendly Dog Spot," and the "Big Smile Corner."
Then, the kids are going to get hands-on. We’ve got 25 beautiful Moen cowbells ready and waiting. In the workshop, the children will be using hammers and steel stamps to emboss directly into the metal, and they’ll also be creating custom artwork for weather-resistant straps to make each bell a one-of-a-kind "thank you" gift.
Step 2: The Ceremony
Once the bells are crafted, we’ll be holding an Ambassador Ceremony. The kids will deliver these bespoke bells to the neighbours they’ve identified in their Atlas. We’re officially inviting our neighbours to become Bike Bell Ambassadors.
Why? Because we want to hear you! When the Bike Bus rolls past, we want our Ambassadors to ring their bells back at us. Imagine it: a "wave of sound" travelling down the street, a conversation between the kids on the road and the people in their homes.
It’s about making our city feel a little smaller and a lot friendlier. It’s about saying:
"We’re glad you’re here, and we’re all part of the same community."
Watch this space!
We’re just getting started. This project is about more than just bells and hammers; it’s about the people who make Worcester a great place to live and ride. It’s about building a city where everyone feels part of the joy, whether they’re on two wheels or standing on their doorstep.
Keep an eye (and an ear!) out. The Bike Bell Ambassadors are coming to a street near you soon.
Stay joyful, Worcester.