Dutch MPs want kids to get free bikes

Primary school pupils should be given free bicycles, argues the Dutch Socialist Party (SP)

The party will present a motion to that effect today, reports the Dutch-language section of the SP’s website. According to the party, half of primary school pupils in the Netherlands cannot participate in school bicycle tests because they have no access to bicycles or do not know how to ride one.

Really, in the bike-mad Netherlands?

SP’s Meta Meijer said:

“This bicycle plan offers many advantages. Children get help riding a bicycle, which is good for both the environment and their health. By doing the exam, they learn how to participate in traffic safely. Finally, young people can gain valuable experience repairing bicycles in practical lessons.”