A Neighborhood-focused Cycling Programme in Zaandam-Oost

In Zaandam-Oost, BYCS is developing and implementing an integrated, neighbourhood-focused approach to cycling. The initiative, developed with our partner Pact Zaandam-Oost is aimed at making the bicycle an accessible and attractive means of transport for residents, with a focus on youth and women caregivers. The bicycle is not the goal in itself, but a tool to contribute to the overall wellbeing and prosperity in Zaandam-Oost. The two-year project focuses on developing activities and embedding them with local partners to create a sustainable, ongoing cycling programme in the area.

Compared to other areas in the municipality of Zaanstad and elsewhere in The Netherlands, a relatively large proportion of Zaandam-Oost residents demonstrably have fewer opportunities than others in the region. Neighborhoods in Zaandam-Oost are falling behind, with persistent and complex problems. The area is marked by a concentration and accumulation of issues related to quality of life, housing, unemployment, poverty, health, education, the living environment, safety, and both organized and subversive crime.

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The approach in Zaandam-Oost aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents by helping them develop an active lifestyle through cycling. In addition, the programme contributes to mobility justice by supporting residents in adopting independent, affordable, safe, and sustainable mobility habits. Lastly, the programme helps residents become more resilient and self-reliant. Alongside encouraging everyday cycling, this is achieved by creating opportunities for community participation and learning pathways related to bicycle maintenance and repair.

Key objectives:

• More independent mobility and safer, more sustainable transport habits among youth and caregivers in Zaandam-Oost.
• Improved physical and mental health for youth and caregivers in Zaandam-Oost.
• Stronger social cohesion and more resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant youth and caregivers.

Target audiences: children and youth in Zaandam-Oost, aged approximately 2-26, as well as their caregivers.

Approach: The programme addresses barriers to cycling through the ‘human infrastructure of cycling’ approach, focusing on four key areas: awareness, education, access, and stimulation, ensuring greater accessibility and lasting impact. Alongside encouraging everyday cycling, this is achieved by creating opportunities for community participation and learning pathways related to bicycle maintenance and repair.

The initiative in Zaandam-Oost was launched early 2025 and will continue for two years. After that period, the activities are intended to be embedded with local partners to create a sustainable, ongoing cycling programme in the area.

Besides the impact on a neighborhood level, the intention of the initiative is is to create a replicable approach to be implemented in other vulnerable communities in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region and beyond. 

This programme is initiated in partnership with Pact Zaandam-Oost, Green Deal Fiets and the Metropoolregio Amsterdam.