The impact of cycling lessons
Cycling as a lever for mobility, self-reliance and social participation
De Fietsschool wants to get as many people as possible on their bikes. Because cycling enlarges your world. You get where you need to go faster and more independently - to school, to work, to the container park. And above all: you get there yourself. Without a car, without a driver, without stress.
Our cycling lessons literally make people more mobile. And that also makes them stronger.
Fighting transport poverty together
Due to a lack of money, own car or knowledge of transport options, many people do not get where they need to go. For them, work, school, shops or leisure activities are difficult to reach. They live in transport poverty, and have limited freedom of movement.
The key figures
people
of the participants
participants
Cycling is a relatively affordable solutionfor people in transport poverty . Yet cycling does not come naturally to everyone. A lot of people have never learned to ride a bike, think of newcomers, or have forgotten cycling over the years. This is unfortunate, because it leaves them without access to a bicycle.
Cycling makes a difference - see the stories behind the numbers
Figures show impact, but it is the people behind those figures that really inspire. In shelters, schools, neighbourhoods and businesses, we help people on their way to more freedom and opportunities - thanks to cycling. Find out what our projects look like on the ground, and how we are building sustainable mobility together with partners, volunteers and participants.
Our approach goes beyond cycling skills. We work on:
- Safe behaviour in traffic
- Confidence and self-reliance
- Participation in local club life
- A sense of freedom and independence
Why cycling lessons are needed:
people
months
of the people
Scope and impact of our approach
Using low-threshold cycling lessons, De Fietsschool gives people the skills and confidence to hop on a bike independently. This way, they not only enjoy cycling fun, but also more freedom of movement. All kinds of destinations suddenly become accessible. Changing lives, that's what we do it for!
Since 2011, De Fietsschool has helped thousands of people on their way.
The impact of our cycling schools is only possible thanks to cooperation and structural anchoring with partners, volunteers and local initiators.
De Fietsschool works together with local authorities, OCMWs, VDAB, schools, companies and civil society organisations. Together, we build structural solutions that anchor cycling education locally.
Would you like to work with us? See how you can organise your own cycling school or join the Veloten community.
Empowerment and a unique comprehensive approach
Being able to cycle is important. To keep cycling, more is needed. That is why De Fietsschool also pays attention to traffic rules, bicycle maintenance, cycling with children, and buying an affordable (second-hand) bicycle. This comprehensive approach ensures that people keep cycling, even after the cycling lessons. And that they can quickly repair a flat tyre or a dried-out chain themselves.
Besides cycling skills, the lessons are also a great opportunity for people to build their social network and possibly practise their Dutch. Empowerment in action.
Check out our short film "Cycling changes lives" and find out how cycling radically changed the lives of six people.
What else can De Fietsschool do for me?
Give even better cycling lessons thanks to our train-the-trainer sessions
Teaching cycling is not core physics. But it does require some pedagogical insight, knowledge of the highway code and, of course, fluency with participants. How to handle all that, you will learn in our train-the-trainer session.
Let us give cycling lessons
Does your city, municipality or organisation want to run cycling classes but are short of hands? Then the instructors of De Fietsschool are ready to help you. In 15 lessons, they train people with no cycling experience to become independent cyclists.
Draw from our knowledge base
Our knowledge base brings together tips and tricks, good examples and simply lots of information and inspiration to get your cycling initiative off on the right foot. The knowledge base gives you the tools you need, from start-up to impact measurement.
Highlight your cycling classes
You too can put your local cycling initiative in the spotlight via our platform. And all for free. That way, you reach a wider audience. Create an account and add your series of lessons to our overview.
Let us be your coach
Thanks to our years of experience guiding local cycling schools, you can turn to De Fietsschool for advice and answers to all your questions. Do you have questions about organisation, communication or evaluation? We will help you on your way. The first consultation is free of charge.