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The Most Social Fat Bike in the Netherlands Fights Loneliness in Care Centers
How a bench on wheels transforms seniors’ lives – and why I was moved by the twinkle in Cees’ eyes as a volunteer
What I experienced that afternoon in Utrecht touched my heart deeply. An hour on the road with Cees (80+), a man full of stories who could explore the wide world again thanks to a clever fat bike.
Why I Signed Up
As the founder of BrightVibes, I’m always looking for stories that give hope. When I read in the media about a social fat bike that brings seniors from care centers back into the neighborhood, I knew immediately: I must experience this story.
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The design by David Claassen and Sem Lootsma from De Plannenmannen sounded too good to be true.
But honestly? Initially, I was mainly curious about the technology. A fat bike you can transform into a bench? How does that work exactly?
Meeting Cees
When I first saw Cees approaching, his cheerful demeanor immediately struck me. This 80+ man clearly looked forward to the adventure. “I feel wonderful. I enjoyed it,” he would later say, but that energy radiated from him before we had even started riding.
Getting in went surprisingly easily thanks to the thoughtful design. The seat in the sidecar can rotate, allowing you to step in comfortably, even with a walking stick or walker. There are footrests for extra comfort and a safety belt for security. “A place where I can’t go with my walking stick, so I love being on the front. And I find it comfortable,” Cees told me.
Cycling Makes Contact Accessible
What surprised me during our ride was how naturally contact developed. No forced conversation sitting across from each other in chairs, but simply being on the road together. Cycling made getting acquainted naturally low-threshold and relaxed.
“I have to trust you because I’m sitting here open and exposed,” Cees said with a smile. I felt that trust too, the responsibility of safely taking someone on a discovery tour through their own neighborhood.
The Story of the Primary School
The most beautiful moment came when we cycled past the primary school where Cees had been principal for years. His eyes began to twinkle as he told me about his time there. The highlight of his story? How he once chased after two burglars! “Through the stories Cees told, I started looking at my own city with different eyes,” I realized.
That twinkle in his eyes, that’s what stuck with me most. His ‘joie de vivre’, his zest for life, despite walking with a stick and normally not being able to go far.
The Ingenious Bench
But then the absolute highlight of the ride: the moment we stopped and transformed the sidecar into a bench for two. “What I find unique is the bench. That’s really amazing,” and I meant it. In no time, we were sitting next to each other, looking out over the water, just two people enjoying each other’s company and the surroundings.
It’s precisely this detail that makes the bike so special. It’s not just about getting from A to B, but about being together, about sharing the moment. The designers understood that real connection needs time and space.
“Otherwise You Keep Going in Small Circles”
“An outing is always nice of course, otherwise you keep going around in a small circle. And now you’re out. Wonderful!” Cees said, and those words touched me deeply. For me, it was a nice afternoon out, for him it meant breaking through the boundaries of his daily world.
“You’re sitting on what must be the most social fat bike that exists, so it’s a super cool thing,” and after that ride I know: that’s absolutely right.
How This Project Works
Currently, two care institutions in Utrecht collaborate with the ‘Op die Fiets’ (On the Bike) project. “They bring them from the care home back into the neighborhood and you can stop anywhere,” I explain. Volunteers from the neighborhood can sign up to take a trip with seniors.
The project is currently running a one-year pilot in collaboration with AxionContinu, Vecht & IJssel, Het ondernemersfonds Merwede-Transwijk & Co and the Municipality of Utrecht, with the goal of expanding throughout the Netherlands.
Why Every Care Center Needs This
After my experience with Cees, I’m firmly convinced: “I think every care home should have such a fat bike, because everyone really enjoys it so much. And I think many more people should start doing this.”
It goes beyond just mobility. It’s about dignity, about still being part of society, about being able to share stories with new people.
How You Can Contribute
Are you as moved by this story as I am? There are various ways to contribute:
As a volunteer: Sign up at participating care centers in Utrecht to take seniors on a ride. It costs you an hour of time, but delivers priceless moments.
Financially: Support the project so more fat bikes can be purchased and the concept can be brought to other cities.
As an entrepreneur: Join local entrepreneurs who collaborate by offering, for example, a cup of coffee to the riding duos.
Share the story: Help create awareness for this beautiful initiative.
Want to know more about the ‘Op die Fiets’ project or sign up as a volunteer? Visit deplannenmannen.nl/op-die-fiets or contact the participating care centers in Utrecht.
Also inspiring: This story about volunteers cycling with elderly people on a rickshaw, because cycling together connects generations.
