Cycling school XS: cycling lessons for vulnerable children
From 20 September, De Fietsschool will offer free cycling lessons for primary school children in Leuven. In four lessons, children who cannot yet keep their balance on a bicycle learn how to pedal independently. This way, they enjoy more freedom of movement.
For children without balance on a bicycle
Under the name 'Fietsschool XS', De Fietsschool will organise low-threshold cycling lessons for children in Leuven from 20 September. The lessons are aimed solely at children aged 6 to 12 who cannot yet keep their balance on a bicycle with two wheels. A real beginner's course, in other words.
In a series of four lessons, the children are taught the basic skills they need to cycle safely and with confidence. The children also practise their new cycling skills on the street, so they learn to interact with other traffic. Each lesson lasts two hours.Having your own bike is not a requirement. Children can use a children's bike from The Cycling School.
Accompanied by mum or dad
Children are accompanied by an adult for at least one lesson. By involving parents or other caring figures in the lessons, they can support their own child in the learning process. Primary school teachers are also welcome to attend one or more lessons. In a later phase, Cycling School XS also wants to organise workshops for parents, for example on traffic rules for cyclists or on cycling together with a child.
To school, to friends, to grandparents,... Every child deserves to cycle around freely and happily!
Projectmedewerker De Fietsschool
At strategic locations in Leuven
Parents can register their son or daughter for lessons at four locations in Leuven: at Blauwputplein in Kessel-Lo, at Tweebronnen Library, at De Bron primary school or in Wilsele. These lesson locations are not accidental. They are located near the schools with the greatest needs and enable the connection with local community operations, volunteers and bridge figures. Those partners help Cycling School XS reach vulnerable families and get them excited about the classes.
Mobility for all
For years, the Cycling School has organised cycling classes for adults who have never learned to ride a bike. They are often women from vulnerable families. From that corner, the demand for cycling lessons for children came regularly. Cycling School XS answers that demand, with support from Greenpeace Belgium's Healthy Air Fund.
Questions about cycling lessons for children?
Our colleague and cycling expert, Ine Bosmans, is happy to answer them. Contact her using the form below.
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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.