Velodrome factory conquers Zoersel
On Friday, a peloton of more than 100 bikes passed through Zoersel. Under the banner 'Velodrome Factory', residents and carers from various local care institutions jumped on their bikes to enjoy wind in their hair and draw attention to the mobility of less mobile people. Presenter and actress Erika Van Tielen, who lives in Zoersel herself, also cycled along.
Cycling brings freedom of movement and joie de vivre
For residents of care homes, it is not natural to hop on a bike to the shopping street, a friend, or a familiar bench in the woods or fields. Often their freedom of movement is restricted, for example for mental, physical or health reasons. They are less mobile and therefore at risk of social isolation.
As part of their thesis, UCLL students decided to change this. Together with Mobiel 21, the municipality of Zoersel and three local care institutions, they launched the idea of the 'Velodrome Factory': a festive bicycle ride where residents and carers can have fun cycling together and draw attention to the mobility, freedom of movement and joy of life of less mobile people.
Happy faces everywhere
On Friday, that Velodrome Factory then passed through Zoersel. More than 100 bikes took part: from rickshaws and wheelchair bikes to tricycles and other shared bikes. Residents, attendants, local residents and symphatisers from Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Bethanië, Monnikenheide-Spectrum and Woonzorghuis De Buurt conquered the public road and pedalled merrily through the municipality. Presenter and actress Erika Van Tielen, who lives in Zoersel herself, also signed on. A picnic, garden party and musical performance by De Vijver vzw completed the sunny day.
The diversity of bikes really allowed all residents to experience the event in their own way.
student aan UCLL en actief binnen Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Bethanië
An initiative of Shared Cycling Pleasure
The Velodroomfabriek is based on Shared Cycling Fun, an initiative of Mobiel 21 that allows people with limited mobility to enjoy the wind in their hair again. This is done with the help of adapted bicycles for two, such as rickshaws, tandems, or duo bikes.
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