Start Cycling Together

Start Cycling Together is a cycling and life skills programme for children and youth aged 8-16, who recently arrived in the Netherlands as refugees and impacted by humanitarian crises. Developed in partnership with Life Goals, the programme aims to empower participants through cycling while fostering resilience and community connection. The pilot runs until the end of 2025.

Children and youth affected by humanitarian crises who have recently arrived in the Netherlands often don’t know how to cycle, coming from cultures where cycling does not play a strong functional and societal role. 

However, cycling has been associated with improving the physical and mental health of children and youth affected by war and humanitarian crises. Part of the positive effects may be attributed to the fact that participating in sports facilitates the development of so-called life skills and the transfer of these skills to other life domains. Additionally, the ability to cycle  provides them with a freedom of movement, where they can learn more about themselves, their peers, and their culture at their own pace and on their own terms as they cycle to school, to activities, or just for fun.

Programme Objective: BYCS and Life Goals have developed a 12-week programme to teach children and youth in asylum-seeker centers cycling skills and socio-emotional competencies. The aim is to help them navigate their new communities, address trauma, and improve mental and physical health. The programme will be implemented in three iterations at four asylum-seeker centers across the Netherlands.

Activities and Implementation: The programme includes weekly cycling lessons and community rides. Participants also receive support on life skills, social-emotional development, and well-being from coaches with experience working with youth newcomers. Local coaches, experienced with youth and newcomers, lead the sessions. Coaches undergo a tailored three-day training programme covering cycling instruction, socio-emotional support, and leadership development.

Key Approach: The programme addresses barriers to cycling through the ‘human infrastructure of cycling’ concept, focusing on four key areas: awareness, education, access, and stimulation, ensuring greater accessibility and lasting impact.

The Start Cycling Together programme was launched in the Netherlands in 2024 and will be implemented in 5 cities in 2025:

• Amsterdam
• Utrecht
• Alkmaar
• Heerhugowaard
• Harderwijk

Interested in launching a Start Cycling Together programme in your city? Email connect@bycs.org.