When Portland, Oregon teacher Sam Balto started Bike Bus PDX, an initiative that leads students on a healthy and eco-friendly biking commute to school en masse, he made sure to have a solid playlist on deck.
One of his favorite artists to add to the mix? Justin Timberlake.
Since the inception of this particular Bike Bus in 2022 (many others exist across the country), Balto has shared plenty of videos of the joy-filled morning commute, music blaring from his Bluetooth speakers.
In October, Balto posted a video, blasting Timberlake’s “Trolls” hit “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!,” extending an invite to the singer.
“Justin Timberlake, come join our bike bus,” Balto said, as hordes of students rode by. “We would love to have you.”
Millions of people on both TikTok and Instagram viewed the video and encouraged the singer to stop by.
And on Sunday, January 12, he finally did.
While Timberlake wasn’t able to make it on the route during the school week, about 200 children and their families made a special Sunday exception to ride with the star.
They took a half-mile ride through the neighborhood to Alameda Elementary School, according to Oregon Live, with Timberlake’s team playing the hits and taking photos with students and teachers.
“It was a day to celebrate our children, the community, physical activity, and joy,” Balto — who was a physical education teacher at Alameda Elementary School — wrote in an Instagram post, thanking Timberlake.
“Your presence made it extra extra extra special ride for everyone,” he continued. “Core memory unlocked!!!”
Balto now runs the nonprofit Bike Bus World, to help implement more of these alternative commute communities everywhere.
“By fostering camaraderie and providing a sense of security, the Bike Bus encourages kids to embrace cycling as a fun and social activity,” the Portland organization’s website explains.
“This initiative not only reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions, but also instills a lifelong habit of active transportation in young individuals.”
By riding as a group, Balto is able to lead kids in a safe and engaging way, while also helping them develop the skills they need to cycle safely on their own as they grow up.
“I think it’s pretty important to prioritize children’s mobility and physical activity especially when it sets kids up for success at school,” Balto told Oregon Live in October.
“We should do everything we can to create a safe environment for kids to do things like rollerblade, go walking, biking so they can be successful with independence and autonomy.”
And hanging out with pop stars? That’s just a bonus.
As Balto told Oregon Live, “I think that Justin Timberlake joining the Bike Bus would set a great example for how people can get around — on a bike — for everyday transportation.”
“Thank you, Coach Balto for letting me and The Tennessee Kids join your morning ride yesterday,” Timberlake added in an Instagram caption. “You’re bringing joy to a lot of people out here.”
Header image by David Benhaim
