Case: Fietsschool Oostende (2023-2024) - Een succesverhaal
From 2023 to 2024, De Fietsschool in Ostend organised cycling lessons for adults and cycling workshops for children. Thanks to the support of volunteers, many adults and children thus learned to cycle independently.
Context: From demand to supply
The city of Ostend already organised cycling classes for adults in the past, but noticed a need for cycling skills training among more and more people - both adults and children. To meet the increasing demand for cycling lessons, the city significantly expanded its offer with support from De Fietsschool. Long waiting lists could be eliminated under Plan Samenleven.
Specifically, 7 series of 15 cycling lessons for adults and 3 cycling workshops for children took place from 2023 to 2024.
Location and practical organisation
The lessons took place at leisure centre Dune and Sea. That location is easily accessible for residents of the city, for example by coastal tram.
The city provided 25 teaching bikes through Group Intro, so that people without their own bikes could also take part in the lessons. The adult series had a maximum of 20 participants per class series. A maximum of 15 children took part in the workshops each time.
Furthermore, De Fietsschool set up a cooperation with Free Weelie. Participants without a bicycle could rent one for only EUR 2 per month to continue practising at home. Because practice makes perfect.
Results in adults
The final cycling lesson, besides being a fun farewell party for participants and volunteers, is also a time to take stock, with a cycling report and personal cycling advice for each participant.
adults
of the participants
of the participants
Results in children
A 2-hour cycling workshop helps children who cannot ride a bike get their feet on the pedals. With success, as it turns out in Ostend. After the cycling lesson, all kids received a diploma, process card and gift to take home.
children
of the participants
Volunteers make a difference
The impact of Fietsschool Ostend is partly due to a group of 16 cheerful volunteers, who use their energy and enthusiasm to help others. A short training course by De Fietsschool helped them give their best during cycling lessons.
Conclusion
With its comprehensive offer, Ostend responds to the great need for cycling skills training. Well-trained volunteers and close cooperation with Free Weelie enhance the impact of cycling lessons.
The city will continue to organise cycling lessons in 2025. To further optimise the learning process, it is even investing in 10 extra teaching bikes. This way, Fietsschool Oostende contributes to a city where everyone can cycle smoothly and safely.
Partners
De Fietsschool Ostend's success is due to these strong partners.
A Fietsschool in your municipality?
Interested in a Fietsschool in your city or town? Find out how we support local councils.