Flanders has a new platform: Gfietst.be.
This initiative by G-sport Flanders offers people with disabilities the opportunity to more easily find and rent adapted shared bicycles. The platform brings together all locations in Flanders where these special bicycles are available, with the aim of having around 300 adapted bicycles operational by the end of this year. The launch took place in Het GielsBos in Lille, where residents were the first to test the new offering in the presence of Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters.
During the launch, Minister Peeters emphasized the importance of accessible and safe cycling routes. “Many adapted bicycles are wider than a normal bicycle and many cycle paths have to accommodate this,” says Peeters. This initiative is in line with the Flemish government's broader efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and make it more inclusive for all cyclists.
After walking, cycling is the most popular form of exercise for people with disabilities. However, finding a suitable bicycle remains a challenge. Adapted bicycles are often expensive and the commercial rental offer is limited. The Gfietst.be platform offers a solution by bundling all sharing points in one place, making it easier for people with disabilities to find an adapted bicycle at an affordable rate.
“Residential care centers, day centers and schools for children with disabilities have all the knowledge to guide people in choosing the right shared bicycle.”
Gfietst.be offers an overview of different types of adapted bicycles, so that users can discover which type of bicycle best suits their needs. In the future, the platform will also contain information about accessible routes and the purchase of adapted bicycles. The target group is broad, ranging from people with an intellectual disability to people with a physical disability, including the blind and visually impaired.
G-sport Flanders has ambitious plans with Gfietst.be. By 2026 they want to get 75.000 people with disabilities on bicycles. The organization calls on both bicycle manufacturers and governments to put more effort into bicycle provision for this target group. “There are still too few adapted bicycles for people with disabilities in Flanders. Bicycle manufacturers often have a wide range for recreational and professional cyclists, but not for people who need an adapted bicycle,” says Peeters. She also emphasizes the need for specific training for 'pilots' of G-bikes, the people who drive the duo bike together with the person with a disability.
The Gfietst.be platform is ready for the future. There are currently 30 sub-points on the map, mainly in healthcare institutions and schools. West Flanders has the most sharing points, with 13 locations. The ambition is to significantly increase this number in the coming years. The platform not only wants to facilitate the rental of adapted bicycles, but also contribute to the integration and mobility of people with disabilities in Flanders.
