Cycling lessons for immigrants.

11 Nov, 2006

Social welfare organization Akros in the de Baarsjes district has announced plans to get local businesses to sponsor cycling lessons for their employees, with cleaning companies among the target group in view of their largely migrant workforce. The announcement came as the government research agency SCP (Social and Cultural Planning Office of the Netherlands) released a study showing that Amsterdams ethnic minority residents are less like to ride a bicycle than citizens of Dutch origin. Akros spokeswoman Yasmien Kaddoer also suggested awarding cycling courses to newly naturalized citizens instead of the Delft blue statue they currently receive. Akros is one of a number of organisations offering cycling courses in the Dutch capital. It charges 35 euro for ten lessons.