The impact of cycling lessons

Cycling as a lever for mobility, self-reliance and social participation.

De Fietsschool - Cycling School wants to get as many people as possible on their bikes. Because cycling expands your world and changes your life. You suddenly get to where you want to be: at school, at work, at the doctor's or in the supermarket. And above all: you get there by yourself. Without a car, without a driver, without stress.

Our cycling classes literally make people more mobile. And that also makes them stronger.

Fighting mobility poverty together

Due to a lack of money, a private car or knowledge of transport options, many people do not get where they want to go. For them, work, school, shops or leisure activities are difficult to reach. They live in mobility poverty and have limited freedom of movement.

With low-threshold cycling classes, De Fietsschool gives people the skills and confidence to jump 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!

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Key figures

267

people

learn to cycle safely in traffic by 2024 thanks to De Fietsschool - Cycling School
72%

of the participants

can cycle independently after lessons
+10.000

participants

took a cycling class through our network since 2011

Cycling is a relatively affordable solution for people in mobility poverty. Yet cycling does not come naturally to everyone. A lot of people have never learned to cycle. Just think of newcomers. Or have forgotten cycling over the years. This is unfortunate, because it prevents them from accessing the many benefits that cycling brings.

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Cycling makes a difference - Stories behind the numbers

Figures show the positive impact of our approach, but it is the people behind those figures that really inspire. In neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and shelters, we help people on their way to more freedom and opportunities. Using the bicycle as a lever. Find out how we roll out our projects on the ground, and how we work with partners, Volunteers and participants to build accessible mobility for all.

Our approach goes beyond Cycling Skills. We work on:

  • safe behaviour in traffic
  • confidence and self-reliance
  • participation in local community life
  • a sense of freedom and independence

Why cycling lessons are necessary

200.000

people

living in mobility poverty in Flanders
4

months

so much extra time it takes people without a car to find a job
6%

of the people

in Flanders cannot cycle

Impact thanks to cooperation and local anchoring

The impact of our cycling schools is only possible thanks to cooperation with partners, Volunteers and local pacesetters. For example, De Fietsschool works together with local authorities, OCMWs, VDAB, schools, companies and civil society organisations. Together, we build structural solutions and ensure local anchoring of our cycling initiatives.

Would you also like to work with us?

Empowerment and a unique comprehensive approach

Learning 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 up their social network and possibly strengthen their knowledge of Dutch. Empowerment in action.

Check out our short film "Cycling changes lives" and find out how cycling radically changed the lives of six people.

Your commitment, your impact

De Fietsschool has already supported dozens of local cycling initiatives. With success, as the hundreds of participants who jump in the saddle confidently and without a care in the world thanks to cycling lessons prove. And you too can contribute to this success, for example by starting a local cycling offer yourself. Contact us to get started.