Cycling without fear
The feeling of unsafety of less experienced cyclists halves after training followed by a practice period. This is according to the 'Way Too Much' study, conducted by Pro Velo and Mobiel 21, on more than 200 cyclists.
The Way Too Much study shows that feeling unsafe among cyclists is mainly caused by:
- high traffic density
- lack of respect for right of way
- cycling in mixed traffic
- unclear traffic situations: no markings, signage or cycle lanes.
For the survey, 210 participants - with and without experience - were initially questioned about 16 situations we generally consider dangerous. Afterwards, participants received theoretical and practical training from Pro Velo on how to cycle safely in Brussels and become more confident in traffic. Six weeks after the training, 85 of them were surveyed again to evaluate the impact of the training on their perception of danger and stress in traffic.
vindt fietsen in Brussel gevaarlijk
na een praktische en theoretische opleiding
zegt dat ze na de opleiding veel vaker op de fiets springen
Practical exercises for more confidence and less stress
Before the training, 76% of participants (83% of beginners) believed that cycling in Brussels is dangerous, and 67% (77% of beginners) found it a stressful experience. Through theoretical and practical training, participants learned, among other things:
- what is the best place to take on the road
- how to choose a suitable cycle route
- about traffic signs and priority rules
- recognise risky road situations for cyclists
The study shows that the training has a very positive effect. Anxiety and stress decrease by half among novice cyclists, and six times as many novice cyclists even enjoy cycling in Brussels. And perhaps more importantly, more than half of novice cyclists say they jump on their bikes much more often after the training. So this confidence boost also gives the modal shift a push in the right direction. More training thus creates more cyclists with less fear of actually jumping on their bikes.
Also be sure to read this
Cycling lessons for adults
Cycling lessons for children
Inclusive cycling policy
Questions about this study? Looking for useful data, analyses, and practical advice?
Our colleague, Elke Franchois, is happy to help. Contact her using the form below.
Related insights
Rome toont de weg naar inclusieve deelmobiliteit
Hoe kan deelmobiliteit bijdragen tot een veerkrachtigere en meer op mensen gerichte mobiliteit? Op die vraag zochten professionals en politici uit meer dan 12 EU-landen naar antwoorden op de CIVINET 2-daagse in Rome. Wij zetten de belangrijkste bevindingen op een rijtje.
Holidays by Train: the easy, affordable way
Our new colleague Bram is an avid train traveler. He’s journeyed from Rome to Abisko by train himself. He’s sharing his best tips and favorite tools so that you, too, can travel easily and affordably by train throughout Europe. Check out his golden travel tips now!
Creating people-friendly streets
Streets should prioritise people over cars. Through creative campaigns, temporary interventions and experiments, we show how cities and towns can reclaim space for walking, cycling and community life.