Cycling on a duo bike thanks to Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds

Theo and Meinte cycle together on a Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike. They are Fietsmaatjes (translation: Bike Buddies) and they can cycle together thanks to the Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds (a fund of a Dutch national lottery). Read more about the two Fietsmaatjes with their duo bike and about the fund 'Buurtfonds' here.


Cycling on a Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike thanks to Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds
Theo and Meinte with the duo bike (photo: Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds)

Fietsmaatjes: volunteer and a guest cycling on a duo bike

For a year now, Fietsmaatjes volunteer Theo and guest Meinte have been making bike rides together on a duo bike through the hills of Montferland (in the Netherlands) every two or three weeks. Meinte says in an interview with the Postcode Loterij: "If you have a Fietsmaatje, you are still getting somewhere. It's very important for people to be able to get out too, and I think that's really important about Fietsmaatjes."

Fietsmaatjes is aimed at anyone who likes to get outside, stay active and enjoys social contact, but cannot cycle independently due to a disability. Together, the guest and volunteer take bike rides on the duo bike. Meinte can no longer cycle by himself, but would like to be able to keep active.

Meinte and Theo are a good match, they have even developed a friendship and look forward to the bicycle trips. Meinte says: "It means a lot. Cosiness, getting out of the house for a while, a bit of silly banter now and then, a bit of adventure by bike. Wonderful."

Video: Fietsmaatjes make bike rides

In the Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds video (in Dutch!) below, Theo and Meinte talk more about their bicycle rides on the duo bike.

If you have a Fietsmaatje, you are still getting somewhere. It's very important for people to be able to get out too, and I think that's really important about Fietsmaatjes.
Fietsmaatjes cycling on a duo bike thanks to Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds
Theo and Meinte during a bike ride (photo: screenshot from video Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds)

Cycling with the Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike

Theo and Meinte cycle together on the Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike. The Fun2Go duo bike is a three-wheel tandem where you sit next to each other. One person controls the bike, the other can pedal along. Meinte says: "My feet are secured, I have a belt, and I have my own gears so I can pedal along with Theo at my own pace." The duo bike also has a stick holder and a mirror.

In addition, Theo and Meinte's duo bike has pedal support. People with a disability and/or a lesser condition can benefit a lot from a bicycle with pedal support. Cycling requires less effort with an electric motor.

Read more about the Fun2Go

Various community projects

The Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds was set up to provide financial support to community projects. Organisations and initiatives throughout the Netherlands can apply for a contribution of up to €5,000.

Initiatives, such as Fietsmaatjes, benefit greatly from sponsors. Thanks to sponsors (including the Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds), Fietsmaatjes Montferland was able to purchase a second duo bike by the end of 2021.

Interview on the website of the Postcode Loterij

The entire interview (in Dutch!) with Theo and Meinte can be found on the Postcode Loterij website. 

Read the interview here

Questions about the duo bike?

Do you have any questions about the Fun2Go duo bike? Or would you like more information? Then please contact us. We will be happy to help.