need to know
- Benson Boone surprised hundreds of elementary school students with his “Bike Bus” in Portland, Oregon.
- The singer belted out his hit “Beautiful Things” with his kids on the way to school
- Justin Timberlake participated in the Bike Bus event in January
Benson Boone's latest side quest has schoolchildren excited.
On Friday, October 3, the “Beautiful Things” singer surprised hundreds of students on a bike bus after a fan invited Boone, 23, to a ride in Portland, Oregon.
Photos shared on the Bike Bus Instagram account show the pop star surrounded by excited students riding her bike to school, waving to people lining the sidewalk and interacting with children.
Later that night, Boone took the stage at the Fashion Center in the Rose District as part of his Heart of America World Tour, one of his last stops in North America before heading to Europe later this year.
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Bike Bus co-founder Sam Balto posted about the experience on Instagram on Oct. 4, along with a video of him riding by with other participants and waving to the camera. “@bensonboone you bring so much joy to our community,” he wrote.
“Thank you for joining the #BikeBus during #Portland. (Plus, I’m so glad my two sons got to experience this with me).”
“Benson Boone is the kindest, most genuine person I have ever met. He chats with the kids, asks them their names, answers questions, takes selfies, and sings with them,” Balto told Upworthy about Boone's visit.
“After the ride, he stayed and signed hundreds of autographs for the kids. He really gave our kids and the community a great gift.”
“What an unforgettable afternoon on the #BikeBus with @bensonboone! 🚲💫,” read the Instagram caption of a video shared on October 8. In this video, Boone rides with students on a sunny commute. “The energy, smiles and singing made this a journey we will never forget.”
“Big thanks to Benson for joining us, and to everyone who tagged him and helped make this moment possible. Your support keeps the Bike Bus going and spreading joy to kids and communities around the world. 💛 #BensonBoone #Joy.”
During the trip, when “Beautiful Things” played over the speakers, the kids joined in the chorus and Boone sang along, putting a smile on his face.
Boone isn't the only pop star to join the bike bus. In January, Justin Timberlake played “Can't Stop the Feeling” while walking to and from school on a rainy day with students.
Bike Buses’ “mission is to transform the well-being of children, communities and our climate by riding bikes to school together,” according to the organization’s website, and the organization is focused on helping communities launch their own bike buses for school commutes.
They provide potential organizers with “the tools and guidance to create bike buses, help them advocate for active transportation infrastructure and policies, and secure local and national funding.”