“Egyptian student, Farah, had lived in the Netherlands for 16 when she decided she must learn how to cycle. Farah told me how the lessons had taught her a lot more than just cycling: “I am less afraid to speak more Dutch, which I didn’t used to be. I was always shy.” Towards the end of the cycle lessons Farah arrived
PLAN • DESIGN • LEARN
TEACH SOMEONE ELSE!
Independence, Freedom and Integration: Cycling lessons in the Netherlands
with her brand-new bike. I remember her standing proudly beside it as the other students huddled around inspecting it’s every detail. Farah pointed out the rear panniers which from now on would be carrying her shopping. The next week Farah arrived with news – she had cycled to her Dutch lesson on the other side of the city by herself. Just seven weeks ago I watched her struggle to cycle, hesitantly searching with her foot for the bikes pedal, the front wheel twitching as she tried to keep her balance. Now, she was out in the city on her own!”
Study Tours To hear more about Farah and cycle lessons for women, go to Mobycon’s website and read the full blog post: ‘Empowering women with cycling lessons.’ See for yourself how Oliver’s research found organised cycle lessons to empower students and challenge stereotypes!
Our consultants Angela van der Kloof and Oliver Blake continue to work with cycle tuition on behalf of Mobycon. Giving people the skills to enjoy cycling in a safe way is part of Mobycon’s wider mission to make the world less dependent on motorised vehicles! Contact them on: a.vanderkloof@mobycon.nl or o.blake@mobycon.nl Mobycon • P.O. Box 2873 • 2601 CW Delft • The Netherlands • +31 15 214 78 99 info@mobycon.com WWW.MOBYCON.COM • DELFT • ‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH • ZWOLLE • OTTAWA
LIKE RIDING A BIKE?
LIKE RIDING A BIKE? TEACH SOMEONE ELSE! Here are some tips to keep in mind when sharing your passion for cycling with a new rider.
Find a place to practice that is safe and comfortable, like a quiet park where there are not too many people and no cars to damage.
ENVIRONMENT
LEARNER Recognize the fear the learner may be experiencing. Help them to breath deeply and realize it is normal to worry. Anxiety will fade with time.
BIKE
A comfortable bike to learn on is one that allows the rider to rest both feet on the ground at any given time.
PROCESS Take small steps that allow the learner to build their confidence through attaining small victories.
AND DON’T HOLD THE LEARNER BACK. THEY CAN DO IT BY THEMSELVES ON THIS LOW BIKE.