State Secretary de Moor teaches asylum seekers how to cycle in Arendonk

In the run-up to International Cycling Day on 3 June, State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor also jumps on her bike. At the Arendonk reception centre, she visited a pilot project of BE CYCLE, which teaches asylum seekers to cycle in reception centres.

Cycling lesson at the shelter

Since this spring , De Fietsschool has been giving cycling lessons to asylum seekers and some local residents at the Arendonk reception centre. To this end, a traffic park was set up in the centre's courtyard. During about ten lessons, the participants learn the basic skills they need to ride a bike. To conclude, the participants take to the streets for practice rides.

Today, State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, was also present during one such cycling lesson. She enthusiastically took part in the exercises. With her visit in Arendonk, the State Secretary wants to highlight the development of cycling policy in Flemish and Brussels asylum centres. Learning to cycle safely is an essential part of integration.

'Those who can cycle get from one point to another more easily. It offers people not only a healthy way of getting around, but also more opportunities on the labour market. Relatively quickly, they can cover a greater distance to reach employers or take training courses. In this way, participation in society and integration is promoted'. -Nicole de Moor, state secretary for asylum and migration

BE CYCLE: more than just cycling lessons

De Fietsschool's lessons in Arendonk are part of the BE CYCLE project, which aims to teach asylum seekers in reception centres how to cycle. Concretely, the project consists of five smaller pilot projects in the reception centres of Arendonk, Kapellen, Koksijde, Pelt and Wingene. The ambition is to teach at least 75 people to cycle in those centres. The insights and experiences from the pilot projects should eventually lead to structural cycling initiatives in Flemish and Brussels asylum centres.

'De Fietsschool's lessons are about more than cycling skills alone. Traffic rules, road safety and complex traffic situations are also covered. Just like bicycle maintenance and repair. The lessons are also an opportunity for people to practice their Dutch. Finally, we also help shelters find quality bicycles for their residents. It is a total approach that we would like to roll out in more centres in the future.' - Ilse Vleugels, project officer at De Fietsschool

Want to know more about BE CYCLE?

BE CYCLE is funded by Fedasil and supported by De Fietsschool, Group INTRO and HERW!N. Check the project page for more info on the project and discover other Fedasil projects on the Fedasil website.