Why bicycle lessons?
A look back at 15 years of cycling education in Leuven - with impact that pedals further than you think.
In Leuven, we have been organising cycling lessons for adults for more than 15 years. Since 2013, this has been done through a unique collaboration between the City of Leuven and Mobiel 21, under the banner of Fietsschool - Cycling School Leuven. Year after year, it turns out: these lessons release more than just the balance on a bike. They get people moving - literally and figuratively.
Who teaches cycling in Leuven?
The Leuven Cycling School welcomes an average of 120 adults every year in 5 to 7 Lesson Series of 15 lessons each. The majority? Women from all age groups, often with young children at home. More than 80% had never cycled before the lessons.
What stands out in the participant profiles?
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97% female, often motivated by their children: "They can cycle, now I can too".
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More than half are newcomers, often from countries without a cycling culture (such as Somalia, Syria, Nepal, Guinea, ...).
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Education level varies widely: from no degree to master's degree.
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35% work, mainly in sectors such as care, retail, and domestic help.
Bike ownership is not evident: many only buy their first bike during or after classes - mostly second-hand.
Why do people want to learn to ride a bike?
The reasons are as diverse as they are powerful:
"I want to be able to take my children to school."
"I have a job interview but can't get there by bus."
"In my country, women were not allowed to cycle. Now they are."
Almost every participant starts from scratch. Finding balance, learning to steer, braking - it happens step by step, in a safe environment.
What happens after cycling lessons?
In 2019 and 2020, Fietsschool Leuven followed up former participants via telephone surveys. What emerged?
overall: more than 6 in 10 participants continue to cycle. They use their bikes to get to work, go to the shops or explore the neighbourhood. For many, it is a gamechanger.
"Thanks to the lessons, I can now cycle to the shop by myself. I feel freer."
And those who don't cycle (yet)?
Even those who don't keep cycling right away won't let go. The main barriers:
- No bicycle of your own
- Uncertainty in traffic
- Health problems
But: almost everyone wants to start again. And many do - through refresher classes or by practising independently.
Why this impact matters
For 53% of new cyclists, cycling is a practical and cheaper alternative to bus or car. For 74%, cycling opens up new worlds: from unfamiliar neighbourhoods to new jobs.
And above all: 95% feel better. Freer. Stronger. More confident.
Leuven as a laboratory for Flanders?
The approach in Leuven inspires: from bike lending to aftercare, from family-friendly teaching moments to bike repair workshops. And that approach is catching on. Not only in Leuven, but also in other towns and municipalities working with De Fietsschool - Cycling School.
Practical:
Fietsschool Leuven is organised by Mobiel 21 in cooperation with the City of Leuven. Would you as an organisation, municipality or partner also like to work on cycling education with impact? Get in touch with us.