Dutch King Willem-Alexander shines on Van Raam wheelchair bike VeloPlus at Zonnebloem jubilee

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Dutch King shines on wheelchair bike at Zonnebloem jubilee

Bikes \ Wheelchair bikes
Karin
Dutch King Willem-Alexander shines on Van Raam wheelchair bike VeloPlus at Zonnebloem jubilee

At the 75th jubilee celebration of the National Association de Zonnebloem on September 4, 2024, the Dutch King Willem-Alexander brought smiles to faces. Together with participant Ida, he took a joyful ride on the Zonnebloem bike. "I can't help it," the king remarked about his swift overtaking maneuvers with the wheelchair bike.

King prominently featured in the media with VeloPlus wheelchair bike

The smiling faces of King Willem-Alexander and participant Ida van Rooij are unmissable in the media a day after the jubilee celebration. The joy of cycling together on the VeloPlus wheelchair bike from Van Raam radiates from the duo. Afterwards, Omrop Fryslân spoke with Ida about the ride: "Wonderful, with the king on the back of the bike. Who gets to experience that! I enjoyed it so much!

Dutch King Willem-Alexander shines on Van Raam wheelchair bike VeloPlus at Zonnebloem jubilee
Source: ANP / Jilmer Postma

Reintegrate into society

The king also praised the VeloPlus wheelchair bike. "It was just great to see how, with modern technology and an electrically powered bike, you can give people the opportunity to go outside and reintegrate into society."

In addition to cycling on the Zonnebloem bike, the king also participated in an experiential workshop discussing and experiencing the impact of a physical disability. Finally, he spoke with several participants and volunteers from de Zonnebloem.

Dutch National Association de Zonnebloem

National Association de Zonnebloem is dedicated to supporting adults with physical disabilities. They achieve this by enabling social and recreational activities with the help of volunteers. This includes fun outings and vacations, as well as bike rides using adapted bicycles. De Zonnebloem utilizes various Van Raam bikes, also known as ‘Zonnebloemfietsen’.

In 2024, Association de Zonnebloem celebrates its 75th anniversary. This milestone is marked with various events. For more information, visit the Zonnebloem's website.

Van Raam bicycles available through De Zonnebloem

Dutch King previously on the Fun2Go duo bike 

The bikes from Van Raam are familiar territory for the king. Previously, he took a ride on the Fun2Go duo bike during a visit to the Dutch Fietsmaatjes foundation. This foundation pairs cycling buddies with individuals who can no longer cycle independently. Together, they can enjoy delightful bike rides on a duo bike and feel the wind in their hair again.

View the Fun2Go

Dutch King cycles on side by side tandem with founder from the Fietsmaatjes foundation
Reinforced Van Raam VeloPlus wheelchair cycle

Van Raam VeloPlus Wheelchair Bike

With the VeloPlus wheelchair bike, you can cycle together with a person who can remain seated in their own wheelchair. The wheelchair is easily placed at the front of the bike on the tiltable platform. Because the cyclist sits behind the wheelchair user and looks over them, both individuals have a perfect view of the road and surroundings. The VeloPlus is equipped with an electric motor, making cycling on the wheelchair bike easier. Click the button below to read more information about the VeloPlus wheelchair bike.

View the VeloPlus

Karin Geesink-Stegeman
Written by
Karin

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