Biking Back to School in Style: 'Braking' the Cycle of Absenteeism
This back-to-school season, a new class of San Jose sixth graders rolled up to school on bikes of their very own. It's part of how Good Karma Bikes is taking on chronic absenteeism in San Jose, and it's only possible because of supporters like you.
Why a bike can decide whether a student shows up
For some students, getting to school means a walk of several miles, often through areas where they don't feel safe. When there's no ride and the family can't afford a bike, many students simply stop showing up. Missed days add up to missed lessons, missed friendships and missed chances.
A bike closes that gap. It gives students a steady, safe and independent way to get to class every day.
Bikes for students at Muwekma Ohlone Middle School
For the second year in a row, we partnered with San José Unified School District to give chronically absent students at Muwekma Ohlone Middle School bikes of their own.
This year's 6th graders received new bikes, giving them a reliable way to get to class and connect with their lessons and classmates.
Last year's 6th graders, now in 7th grade, keep riding with ongoing on-site bike service from our team.
“These bicycles are much more than a means of transportation—they represent access to education, greater safety, and an investment in students who might otherwise continue to face circumstances beyond their control that affect their ability to arrive at school every day and on time.”
— Sonia Vargas, Ed.D., Child Welfare and Attendance Counselor
Beyond the classroom: mobility for the whole community
We're not stopping at the school gates. Through the East San Jose Mobility Equity Project, supported by the San José Department of Transportation and the California Air Resources Board, we're closing transportation gaps for students and their families.
Through our Bike Apprenticeship program, Earn-A-Bike program, and bike repair clinics, we’re putting the pedal to the metal to bring reliable, fun transportation to the whole community!
When students can get to class, they do more than attend. They make friends, join extracurriculars and discover paths that education opens up.
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Every bike that reached a student this fall started with someone in our community.
We want to keep this momentum going through the end of the ye
ar, and we need your help. Every gift, big or small, helps us reach more chronically absent students and those in need across San Jose.
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