The school run doesn’t have to be a rush. No more circling for parking and no more stress at the gate. The Buzz is reimagining the school drop off – and it’s coming to Manchester and Trafford this September.
Children who are physically active in the morning arrive at school calmer, more focused, and ready to learn. Research shows that just 20 minutes of activity before school can improve concentration and behaviour for up to four hours. Kids who walk or cycle regularly are also more likely to sleep better, stay healthy, and build the kind of confidence and independence that lasts a lifetime.
The Buzz makes it easy.
Bike Buzz
Every Friday, children cycle to school with their friends, led by a trained ride leader on a safe and sociable route – parents come along too. No specialist kit is required, just show up and ride.
Walk Buzz
Same Friday, on foot. Children walk to school with their friends while parents catch up along the way – and there’s always time for a coffee once the kids are at school.
Why it matters
Right now, many children are driven to school – even when they live less than a mile away. Air quality outside school gates suffers. Children miss out on daily movement that their bodies and minds need. The school gate becomes one of the most congested, stressful places in the neighbourhood.
The Buzz changes that. It builds a habit and skill on the road children can take into their teenage years. It builds a community of people who want to see less traffic in their neighbourhood. And it gives children fresh air, exercise and independence.
Want to find out more?
speak to our project coordinator
Missie Hall
Cazz Ward
Project Lead
Cazz is managing the project, bringing everything together! She’s using her project management experience to make sure she keeps everything on track. She is responsible for making sure everything gets deliver on time and to budget and that we meet the requirements of our funding provider Active Travel England.
Dr Elsa Devienne
Researcher
Elsa is the research expert for the project. She’s helping us develop our monitoring and evaluation framework and sort out how we will measure what works and what doesn’t so we can use our learning to inform what works best for walking and cycling buses.
Tiffany Chong
Project Administrator
Tiffany is the backbone of the project, making sure the the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed. She joins the team after successsful setting up and running a School Street and a Bike Bus at Brookburn Primary in Chorlton. Her role is much more than just an administrator, as she will also be supporting Missie on school outreach.
Harry Gray
Deputy Project Lead
Harry leads on communications and branding. Need a boombox on a bike to celebrate your Bike Buzz? He’ll be there. He’s also setting up the citizen science side project, using Telraam traffic-counting sensors.