I used to really get IRRITATED at the bus stops in the morning -- walk my kids there, and because the temp was below 50F, parents would not only drive their kids the ONE BLOCK to get there, but sit there with the engine idling to keep them WARM. I would always think, 'these lazy ASSES, what are they gonna do when things get TOUGH?'

I never lived closer than 2, 2-1/2 miles from school; riding the bike to school was something I needed PERMISSION for (of course), and that was rarely granted. Got VERY familiar with the yellow bus environment. Often, though, in the spring or early fall, I would be allowed to WALK to my mother's job, where I could hang around and be reasonably occupied for the 100 minutes or so until she was done for the day; it was slightly less than 2 miles, and a lot calmer time.

My nephew complains from time to time about the crowded conditions on the bus; we live close enough to ride his bike (easily!), but the neighborhoods he'd have to ride through pretty much preclude that (he's 10, gets out of school 2+ hours before I get off work). If we could get past the 'escort home' issue, he could ride every day the weather was the least bit agreeable!