Mechelen helps students learn to cycle safely
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In Mechelen, Belgium, the city government and partners launched “Fietshelden” (Cycle Heroes) to improve cycling skills among students aged 6 to 12.
Research from Mobiel, a non-profit organisation, showed that 8 percent of children in that age group cannot ride a bike. Four primary schools in Mechelen are participating in the three-year project, integrating cycling lessons into the school day.
Mobiel 21, a cycling school, provides the lessons because its director, Els Van den Broeck, reported receiving consistent feedback that many 12-year-olds still lack basic cycling ability. Van den Broeck explained that a child’s background and place of residence can affect their opportunity to learn. The city’s alderman for Sport, Abdrahman Labsir, stated the program aims to remove cycling as a barrier to independence and access to school, friends, and hobbies, also involving parents in the process.
Students like Angel, 11, and Bernardo, 10, received their first lessons recently, expressing both enthusiasm and some anxiety about cycling in traffic. Bernardo preferred a scooter initially, but decided to practice cycling instead. At the end of the year, the students will receive a cycling diploma upon completion of the program.
