HOW ACCESSIBLE IS NETHERLANDS FOR ADAPTIVE CYCLING?

The Netherlands undoubtedly offers the best cycling facilities, however there are gaps to be filled which only the local people can identify as the primary users of the cycling infrastruture. Ylke Beukenex, a resident of Tilburg city shares her experience highlighting the convenience and challenges she faces as a hand cyclist.

Overview:

Many of us are aware of the best practices the Netherlands have when it comes to cycling. The country’s cycling culture is constantly evolving with innovation, cutting-edge technology, futuristic designs and more importantly budgets to implement plans – which distinguishes them from the rest. A vast network of cycling paths spread across 35,000 kms accommodates beyond standard bicycles such as handbikes, trikes, electric mopeds, tandem bikes, cargo bikes etc. Much of its cycling paths offer physical separation from motor traffic making it a safer environment for people with varying abilities. Visuals of people using an adaptive bike is common and not an exception. As a tourist, I saw many people using their adaptive bikes for transportation, buying groceries, moving from A to B and with many different purposes. All such instances convey that mobility freedom is not a privilege for a few; rather equal and welcoming for everyone. As the inclusive mindset of the policy makers continues to make an effort to refine its large network of bike lanes, some wrinkles need to be ironed out to make adaptive cycling a seamless experience. And what are those opportunity areas? Ylke Beukenex explains them briefly.

Ylke for the 1st time saw an action camera with the capability to shoot 360 degree shots. She was more than happy to mount it on her hand bike and help me capture her in action.

Learning from the local:

Meet Ylke Beukenex, a hand cyclist in her fifties residing in Tilburg. Ylke cycles frequently and goes as far as possible clocking 20-25 kms rolling her wrist drawing support from her battery powered trike. Ylke’s wheel-chair has a detachable tri-cycle mechanism equipped with a motor that transfers power and helps her swiftly navigate the visible red cycling paths of Tilburg and the city outskirts. Due to her congenital disability, Ylke is bound to use an adaptive trike which is wider than a regular bike. While Tilburg has many wide cycling paths to ride on, some of the streets have narrower arrangements exposing her to mixed traffic. Talking about the routine challenges she faces Ylke say’s “There’s a large hardware store in the west of Tilburg. The most direct route is via a cyclist’s bridge. But it’s so steep that even my electric-assist bike struggles.” The difficulty level in going up compels her to take a longer route, thus increasing her time and effort compared to others.

Ylke relaxing at the historic ‘Wilhelminapark’ in Tilburg. She often visits this duck pond to admire the calm atmosphere. People visit this park for picnic and sometimes music festivals and events.

Maintenance and Servicing:

Electric assisted bikes and trikes require regular maintenance and well timed servicing to avoid total shutdown. Regular bike shops in Tilburg aren’t equipped to handle handcycle maintenance. Bike mechanics require special tools, and they don’t have the parts. Their staff aren’t familiar with handcycles either. Maintenance is handled by the company that provided the loaner. Sometimes you have to wait a few days before they can schedule the repair. If materials need to be ordered, it can even take weeks. Major repairs are usually handled by the manufacturer, who are located far away – often abroad. In that case, you might be without your aid for weeks. In such a scenario, the user gets stranded and homebound. It becomes even more difficult for people who live alone to meet their daily necessities.

More separate cycle paths:

Ylke explains, “On a sunny day, I love cycling to villages near Tilburg, about 15 to 20 Kms away. For example, to Goirle or Oisterwijk. I can relax on a sunny terrace there, have a drink, and then head home. However, I would love to see many more separate cycle paths in Tilburg. But the local authorities are working on that too. At the same time, more and more is being done to keep cars out of the city center. They’re trying to encourage cycling and reduce car use.Fortunately, handcycling is becoming increasingly popular. You already see them regularly in Tilburg. However, they’re much less common in smaller villages. I am looking forward to experience those improvements in future.”

We took this selfie in the evening after completing the interview. This was the 2nd documentary I shot on the same day – post working with Theo, a local Bike Taxi operator in Tilburg.

Give it a try:

I have two friends with handcycles and I cycle with them sometimes. To other people, my suggestion is give it a try! It gives you an enormous sense of freedom when you’re not dependent on people with cars, the city bus, or a taxi. You can come and go whenever you want and you don’t have to adhere to all sorts of organisational rules.

Summing up:

From my observation and discussion with Ylke, hand cycling provides independence, the opportunity to have a life outdoors, socialize and get some physical and mental exercise. While the Dutch Cycling Infrastructure has set high benchmarks, there is still scope to fine tune concerns pertaining to individuals like Ylke. Hence, for the engineers, designers and planners, it is important to collect user feedback and incorporate them while executing projects.