Cycling changes lives
Imagine having to say no to a new job, an education or a hobby, ... Why? Because you can't get there.
Absurd, right?
For 200,000 people in Flanders, transport poverty is an everyday occurrence. For them, the bicycle is an ideal solution.
FILM - CYCLING CHANGES LIVES
In our short film Cyclingchanges lives, 6 new cyclists tell how cycling has changed their lives and those of their families.
The bicycle as the answer to transport poverty
Cycling is a relatively cheap, flexible, accessible and healthy mode of transport. Being able to cycle means easy access to school, work, leisure activities, health care. The bicycle is the most accessible means of transport for people in transport poverty.
And yet, for many people, cycling does not come naturally.
De Fietsschool
De Fietsschool trains people to become independent cyclists. We surround everyone who cannot cycle (well) with an appropriate training offer, support and coaching. De Fietsschool offers a total package:
- cycling skills training
- traffic skills training
- coaching on bike ownership
- coaching on functional cycling (cycling with children, cycling to the shop, ...)
- after-care with individual or group guidance
More on transport poverty
Newcomers and people on limited incomes are more likely to be transport poor. Transport poverty causes social exclusion. Conversely, social exclusion causes transport poverty. Unemployment, poor health, social isolation are just some of the consequences. A good job reduces the chance of being transport poor. But finding a job is difficult if you can't get there. We know from research with the VDAB that it takes 6 months longer to find a job if you don't have access to private transport. Research in the US shows that job applicants who do not have a car are 10 times less likely to find a job.
Want to know more about the topic of transport poverty? Mobiel 21 wrote this this fascinating dossier on it.
The figures
The results from our latest impact study (2019 - N = 400) speak for themselves.
- at least 50% of participants experience greater autonomy and 74% undertake new activities.
- at least 94% of participants feel better overall.
- after 1 year, 62% of participants are still cycling
Employment
I am a cleaner. By bike, I can help many more customers in one day. Simply because I can get there more easily.
Irondina
Health
Since I can cycle, I have no more pain in my knees, no more pain in my back. Cycling is a sport for me.
Karima
Integration
I belong now. Others cycle, I also cycle. Others are free, I am also free.
Vivian
Self-esteem
Learning to cycle made me realise that I am still capable of learning a new skill to learn.
Doenja