BE CYCLE: The bicycle as a mobility solution in asylum centres
In the Fedasil project BE CYCLE, De Fietsschool is working with Groep Intro and HERW!N to develop a sustainable approach to cycling initiatives in Flemish and Brussels asylum centres.
The bicycle as a solution to transport poverty
For residents of asylum centres, getting where they want to go is not always easy. Without a car or bus pass, for example, it is a hassle to look for work or get an education.
This lack of travel options puts a brake on integration. To tackle this problem of transport poverty, Fedasil opts for the bicycle as an affordable and accessible solution.
BE CYCLE: working on 'software' and 'hardware'
To promote cycling as a mobility solution for asylum centre residents, there is now BE CYCLE.
This project, funded by Fedasil and supported by The Bicycle School of Mobile 21, is working on a sustainable approach to cycling initiatives in Flemish and Brussels asylum centres. This involves more than just cycling lessons.
BE CYCLE focuses on two dimensions needed to give cycling a structural place in asylum centres:
- 'software' includes cycling lessons for asylum centre residents, but also activities on traffic rules and road safety. In addition, the development of a bicycle lending system and of an enthusiastic cycling team of residents, trained volunteers and staff members are also part of BE CYCLE's software package.
- The 'hardware' includes both the provision of quality (second-hand) bicycles and the expansion of a bicycle repair workshop.
As coordinator of the project, Mobiel 21 is responsible for the 'software'. Group Intro is responsible for the 'hardware'. HERW!N, as the umbrella organisation of social circular organisations, supports by formulating recommendations and disseminating project results.
Five pilot projects
Specifically, BE CYCLE will launch in five asylum centres across Flanders: Arendonk, Kapellen, Koksijde, Pelt and Wingene. In April of 2023, the pilot project in Arendonk already received a high visit: State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor dropped by to cycle along!
Survey shows room for growth
In addition to the pilot projects, research is also taking place within BE CYCLE. Through an online survey and interviews in asylum centres, the project maps existing cycling initiatives, gathers best practices and identifies concrete needs and opportunities.
BE CYCLE research already shows that the bicycle already plays an important role in the mobility of residents in asylum centres. On average, 30% of residents in the surveyed centres have their own bicycle. 50% report that they sometimes cycle. And there is still potential for further growth. For example, 9 out of 10 centres indicate that even more residents would cycle if given the opportunity to do so (e.g. through cycling lessons or support in buying their own bicycle).
Finally, many centres are already fully engaged in cycling initiatives. However, due to a lack of financial and human resources, they find it difficult to give these initiatives a structural place within their operations.
Asylum centres also experience barriers when budgeting for investments in bicycle mobility. Just think about the purchase of bicycles or repair equipment. BE CYCLE also wants to tackle these thresholds.
More Fedasil projects
Every year, Fedasil funds specific projects on the reception of applicants for international protection and other reception beneficiaries. BE CYCLE is one of the 24 projects approved in 2023 and the only project within 'Theme 4: Focusing on increasing resilience and autonomy of residents'.
Want to know more about BE CYCLE? Or would you like to volunteer to give cycling lessons in asylum centres?
Our colleague Hannelore Depypere is ready to answer all your questions.
Related insights
What data from Cycling School Leuven teach us about the success of cycling lessons
What factors ensure that a person can actually cycle after a series of cycling lessons? Which factors increase the chances of success? Cycling School examined five years of data from cycling courses in Leuven and mapped out for the first time what really counts.
What makes research by Mobiel 21 so unique?
Mobiel 21 conducts mobility research that translates social signals and policy questions into concrete action points. Cycling behaviour, mobility poverty or support for local mobility measures? Together with citizens, policymakers, companies and all kinds of other organisations, we arrive at new insights. In an accessible and people-oriented way. Discover how we work.
Fighting transport poverty
Everyone has the right to move freely and participate in society. We support people facing transport disadvantages by identifying vulnerable groups, and seek to integrate equity into sustainable mobility.