Conte School ‘Bike Bus’ Rolls Through Pittsfield Friday Morning

If you're driving through Pittsfield on Friday morning, keep an eye out for bike traffic!

Conte Community School is hosting a Ride to School Day on May 8th to kick off Bike Month, and it's shaping up to be a real community event. Students who registered in advance will be picked up at designated "bike bus stops" along an established route and escorted to school by staff, law enforcement, and community riders. At the end of the day, they'll follow the same route back home, according to a press release from the Berkshires DA's office.

Drivers are asked to use extra caution as the bike bus makes its way through the neighborhood Friday morning and afternoon.

The event has some serious community backing. Representatives from the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office, Pittsfield Police Department, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Massachusetts State Police, Berkshire Regional Planning, and the Berkshire Bike Path Council will all be on hand to support the ride.

The fun doesn't stop there. Conte is also hosting a community bike rodeo on May 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school. The free event will cover bike and pedestrian safety, basic maintenance tips, and bike obstacle courses for kids to enjoy.

The program is led by Conte teacher Matt Behnke, with support from the MA Safe Routes to School Program, Berkshire Bike and Board, and community volunteers. In 2024, the Conte Bike to School Program was recognized as an Exemplary Program by the Massachusetts DOT Safe Routes to School Program.