An All in Cycling Destination

Flanders: an All In cycling destination

Accessible Travel Info Point – Visit Flanders www.accessibleflanders.be – www.cycling-in-flanders.be

Table of contents

1. Spend a night on the track of the cycling races ...... 4 2. The cycling races per province: rental, routes and sightseeing ...... 5 2.1. Flemish Brabant and Brussels ...... 5 2.2. Antwerp ...... 8 2.3. Limburg ...... 10 2.4. East Flanders ...... 13 2.5. West Flanders ...... 16 3. Breaking new cycling ground ...... 19 4. Events and competitions ...... 20 5. Useful addresses and links ...... 21

Introduction

Flanders is the cycling races and the cycling races are Flanders. Whether you prefer to do the pedalling yourself, control the cranks of your hand bike, or cheer on your heroes while enjoying a regional beer or the traditional Flemish bag of chips, Flanders and the cycling races have much to offer you. We would also like to offer you, in this brochure, a fine selection of well-kept cycling paths, places where you can rent a special-needs cycles, accommodations and all the sights to see that are related to the cycling races or are located within the vicinity of the most important competitions, etc.

This information is always based on objective expert research or on the positive experiences of disabled visitors. Some routes have also been tested by our staff.

You can always ask for additional information and submit your own tips and experiences.

1. Spend a night on the track of the cycling races

Why not spend the night following in the footsteps of your cyclist heroes? Flanders has a whole range of excellent overnight accommodation to offer. Want to hear the starting pistol? To be there for the end of the race or to stand guard at one of the mythical hills along the way? Whether you have disabilities or not, everyone deserves a cycling holiday!

The brochure "All in, accessible holiday accommodation in Flanders and Brussels" produced by the Accessible Travel Information Point provides you with a comprehensive overview of all the holiday accommodation awarded the accessibility label A (basic accessibility) or A+ (comfortable accessibility). The brochure sets out in detail what you can expect in terms of accessibility. From the front door to the smallest bedroom, everything has been investigated and assessed by experts.

You can download the brochure or view it in a scrollable version at www.accessibleflanders.be > Publications. You can, of course, always request a printed version from the Accessible Travel Information Point.

2. The cycling races per province: rental, routes and sightseeing

Would you like to take to a bike to experience live the roads on which the cyclists whiz by? Or do you prefer quieter routes without cobbles and hills? Whether you are looking to rent a special-needs bike or find easily accessible cycle paths, there is sure to be something for you to enjoy! Cycle paths are there for everyone, but the bike routes given on the next few pages have been specifically selected because they are also easily accessible to those who are less mobile. Moreover, you can also find out where you can rent special-needs bikes.

If you also like to visit museums or go sightseeing, then the tips on the following pages are definitely worth taking a look at!

If you are looking for more tips on accessible cycling paths or the sights to see, be sure to have a look at the info packets ‘Accessible walking and cycling in Flanders and Brussels’ and ‘Accessible daytrips in Flanders and Brussels’. Request a copy from the Accessible Travel Info Point or take a look on www.accessibleflanders.be.

2.1. Flemish Brabant and Brussels (Brabantse pijl, Druivenkoers, GP Jef Scherens, Brussels Cycling Classic,…)

Cycle routes

Accessible without limitations: 7 ideas for accessible cycle routes and walks

Hageland is an ideal region for walks and bike rides. Seven accessible routes have been worked out to give the elderly, small children and anyone with a disability access to sign-posted routes. These easily doable or passable routes are designed for everyone using specially adapted aids to move around, not only those with a disability but also the elderly with a walking frame or parents with a child buggy. Rolling landscapes, green valleys, ancient cities and town centres are just waiting to be explored. They are encompassed by the cycle routes in Zoutleeuw, Linter, Geetbets and Tienen and walks in Tienen, Linter, Kortenaken and Geetbets. In addition to routes, you can also find all kinds of practical information for preparing your trip. Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant Tel: +32 16 26 76 20 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vlaamsbrabant.be

Unlimited

There are accessible cycle routes starting from the park ‘Het Vinne’. The bike rental firm has some special bikes for people with a disability: a wheelchair bike, a duo-bike, tandems and bicycles with a low step. It is recommended you book the bikes by e-mail or by calling the phone number indicated below. In addition, wheelchair users can also follow a sensory experience path along a stream called the Sint-Odulphiusbeek, and you’ll use your senses to enjoy the natural beauty of this location. An all-terrain wheelchair is available for the walks around the lake. Provinciedomein Het Vinne Ossenwegstraat 70, 3440 Zoutleeuw Tel: +32 11 78 18 19 Fax: +32 11 78 42 36 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vlaamsbrabant.be/zoutleeuw

The ‘Lustoordroute’ scenic route in Gooik

The rural town of Gooik has developed a cycle route through the rolling farmland of the Pajottenland area that is accessible to those with motor difficulties. This route consists of two loops, one 10 km long and the other 15 km, both of which are accessible to those using hand bikes, recumbent trikes, tandem bikes or wheelchairs. Enthusiasts can follow both loops for a 25 km trek. The starting point is the Koornmolen sports centre, which is also easily accessible. The large display panel shows clearly where there are inclines, where there are rest areas with a bench and which businesses along the route are accessible. There is a handy plastified walks folder to take you along the scenic route. You receive a detailed description of the trail with its sights and bottlenecks and a handy 30 by 40 cm map. The folder costs EUR 2 and can be obtained from the municipal sports service, where you can also find all the information on the Lustoordroute scenic route. Dorpsstraat 67, 1755 Gooik Tel: +32 2 532 14 02 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.gooik.be/Wandel-en-fietsroutes.html

Hiring bikes

Almagic - electric scooter and cycle hire

Almagic has 4 electric scooters for hire and all kinds of special-needs bikes (wheelchair bikes, hand bikes, tandem bikes, three-wheelers, joëllette wheelchairs, etc.). The hire charges are the same as those charged by Provelo (www.provelo.org). Bikes can be hired for a maximum of two weeks. Mimosalaan 7, 1150 Brussels Tel: +32 499 22 68 68 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.almagic.org

Provincial park Het Vinne

Must do’s!

M Leuven

M-Museum Louvain and M-Treasury of Saint-Peter are accessible for wheelchairs and has 3 wheelchairs and 20 mobile folding chairs. You can borrow the folding chairs for free according to availability and in exchange for an identity card. You should book these in advance. Do you have a visual impairment? Then you can discover the museum with the adapted 'Empire of Senses' tour (‘Rijk-der-Zinnen’-rondleiding). The theme, perspective or method of approaching the works of art changes every two months. You can find the dates of the 'Empire of Senses' tours on the website. Booking is essential. Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven Tel: +32 16 27 29 29 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mleuven.be

Sportimonium

This sports museum is easily accessible for wheelchair users. Visitors to the Sportimonium come in through the Bloso domain’s main entrance (Tervuursesteenweg, no number) and drive to the beach- side car park within the Bloso domain. The access path, made out of clinkers, is difficult to navigate on your own. You will also need some assistance on the incline up to the exhibition space. The exhibition ‘Measuring up with athletes‘ is less suitable for wheelchair users. But wheelchair users can take part in the traditional sports in the traditional games garden and in the sports lab. The ‘Sportimonium Anders Bekeken’ (sports from a different viewpoint) programme gives the visually impaired the chance to visit the museum with their family, friends, companions or in a group. A permanent exhibition includes sensory boxes and audio systems to help you understand the history of sports. A number of traditional games are accessible for people with a visual disability, as is the ‘Measuring up with athletes’ exhibition. An offer tailored to visitors with learning disabilities can be provided on request. Two adapted toilet are provided, but the free space beside the toilet seat of the first one is only 64

cm wide. Trianondreef 19, 1981 Zemst Tel: +32 15 61 82 22 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sportimonium.be

Voir et Dire Bruxelles

Voir et Dire Bruxelles is a platform for cultural-touristic organisations with thematical activities. Arau, Arkadia, de Babbelbus, Itinéraires and Pro Velo are part of it. Together, the five organizations offer quality tours with different themes. From march till december for individual subscribers and the entire year for groups. Also, they offer tours for people with a physical or hearing impairment.

Website: www.voiretdirebruxelles.be or visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_nl/content/9772/geleide- bezoeken-voor-allen.do.

2.2. Antwerp (Scheldeprijs, World Ports Classic, Memorial Rik Van Steenbergen,…)

Hiring bikes

Hiring a wheelchair bike and a tandem bike in Mechelen

't Atelier vzw/asbl has a wheelchair bike for children for hire as well as a tandem bike for adults. There is no charge for people with a disability or with reduced mobility. Battelsesteenweg 50-52, 2800 Mechelen Tel: +32 15 71 09 58 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.mechelen.be/2136/product_catalog/272/verhuur-aangepaste-fietsen.html

Hiring special-needs bikes in Mol

Fietsenatelier vzw/asbl hires out an ergonomic bike with back support, walking aids, three-wheelers for children and adults, a recumbent trike, a tandem trike, wheelchair bikes, a two-person three-wheeler bike, a two-person bike and tandem bikes. Vzw Fietsenatelier Mol Sint Apollonialaan 190b, 2400 Mol Tel: +32 14 32 14 45 Fax:+32 14 32 16 45 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fietsenatelier.be

Hiring a tandem bike in Bornem

The blind and visually impaired accompanied by a guide can hire a tandem bike free of charge at the Tourist Information Office for Klein-Brabant/Scheldeland. All other persons pay EUR 20 per day. You can find the tandem bike at: Toerisme Klein-Brabant/Scheldeland - Het Landhuis Boomstraat 1, 2880 Bornem Tel: +32 3 899 28 68 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.toerismekleinbrabant.be

Must do’s!

Photo Museum

The dynamic and ambitious Photo Museum exhibits and archives photos. In addition, the museum invites a photographer every month to comment on his or her work. You can take a guided tour or follow a workshop (for young and old). Visit the permanent collection and discover the history of photography. You may need a push up the ramp to the entrance door. All exhibition spaces on the different floors in the museum are accessible but the show cabinets are not of the roll-under type. There are 2 adapted toilets with safety rails and ample free space (on the ground floor, space in front of the toilet is only 100 cm). The library, shop, brasserie and terrace are accessible, but you may need assistance to open the double doors to the brasserie, and the tables with centre leg are only partially roll-under. 2 wheelchairs are available. You can use the audio guide or book a tour with a Flemish Sign Language interpreter. Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerp Tel: +32 3 242 93 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fotomuseum.be

Cathedral of Our Lady

Accessible with help. There is a floor plan with braille inscriptions. Guided tours for people with a visual and learning disability are possible if arranged in advance. Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen Tel: +32 3 213 99 51 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dekathedraal.be

Provincial sports and recreation centre De Nekker

On the outskirts of Mechelen, there is a sports and recreation domain mainly known for the beach where hundreds of visitors relax and have fun during the summer. On the 65ha of green area, there is not only a lake with swimming area and a beach, but also playgrounds, a waterslide and outdoor and indoor sports facilities, a skate street with different ramps and an indoor playground Nekki. Easily accessible via surfaced roads. There are accessible toilets. There are also diver’s floats for wheelchair users as well as volleyball, basketball and handball equipment that can be adapted to wheelchair users. Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, 2800 Mechelen Tel: +32 15 55 70 05

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.denekker.be

2.3. Limburg (Ronde van Limburg, cyclocross in Heusden-Zolder,…)

Hiring bikes

Electric bikes - Fietsparadijs Limburg

Under the name Fietsparadijs Limburg, the Tourist Information Office for Limburg offers electric bikes for hire from 1 April to 30 September between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at nine venues in the province: Sint-Truiden, Meeuwen-Gruitrode, Alken, Bilzen, Borgloon, Genk, Hasselt, Neerpelt and Peer. Tandem bikes can be found at Sint-Truiden and at Paalse Plas (Beringen). You can ask for more information and make reservations by calling the toll-free number +32 800 96 967 (select option 2). You can make reservations from abroad by calling + 32 11 33 27 56. More explanations can be found on the website www.toerismelimburg.be. vzw Fietsbasis

Fancy a bike ride through the stunningly beautiful Limburg countryside? Then take a quick look at the website of Fietsbasis vzw/asbl. There you will find various sorts of special-needs bikes which you can rent for a day. Thanks to the 11 bike stores and service points throughout Limburg, you can be sure of a hassle-free start to your bike ride. You will find parking places, special-needs toilet facilities, information about the cycle route network, how to hire bikes, etc. Tel: +32 11 25 65 76 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.fietsbasis.be/fietsbasis-verhuur-algemeen

Wheelchair bikes in Hamont-Achel

Two electric wheelchair bikes are hired out. They are free of charge to those living in Hamont-Achel (50 euro deposit). Those who are not locals pay EUR 10 per day (100 euro deposit). The bikes can only be hired for 48 hours and may only be used in the North Limburg region. Kapelstraat 17, 3930 Hamont-Achel Tel: +32 11 44 58 81 Website: http://hamont-achel.rodekruis.be/eCache/RED/19/036.html

Wheelchair bike in Bocholt

In Bocholt, a wheelchair bike can be rented free of charge for a day on presentation of your identity card. WZC Voorzienigheid Bocholt Kerkhofstraat 31, 3950 Bocholt Tel: +32 89 46 21 61 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.bocholt.be/fb111bxae1018krqb1qoob156.aspx

Special-needs bikes in Maasmechelen

Holiday home Fabiola has a wide range of bikes including a number of special-needs bikes (tandems, three-wheelers, wheelchair bikes, etc.) and all-terrain wheelchairs. Everything can be rented at affordable prices, even if you are not staying at the holiday home. You are right on the Kempen and Maasland cycle route networks and close to the Hoge Kempen National Park. Vakantiehuis Fabiola - 't Mechels Bos Weldoenerslaan 5, 3630 Maasmechelen Tel: +32 89 77 05 35 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fietspleziervooriedereen.be/verhuur.html

Special-needs bikes (Sint-Truiden bike collection point)

There are a number of cycles for the disabled for hire at the bike collection point at the Sint-Truiden railway station. You can choose between a co-pilot tandem bike, a three-wheeler, a hand bike, a two- person cycle and a twinbike plus. To reserve, just dial the toll-free number, +32 800 969 67. From abroad, call + 32 495 52 42 26. Stationsplein 65, 3800 Sint-Truiden Tel: +32 11 69 64 29 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.toerisme-sint-truiden.be/Fietspunt.html of http://www.fietsbasis.be/fietsbasis-verhuur-algemeen

Must do’s!

Gallo-Roman Museum

In the Gallo-Roman Museum you will discover the many facets of man’s history, from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman age. You will learn about major events that changed history and see more than 2000 objects from the museum’s own collections, carefully explained and presented in a fascinating way by Niek Kortekaas and De Gregorio & Partners. So don’t forget to visit the Gallo- Roman Museum which was chosen as best European museum in 2011. The museum is also accessible with its wide passages, spacious lifts and accessible toilets. Tours can be booked upon request for the blind and visually impaired. They also have many sensory tables that make it possible to feel history. Kielenstraat 15, 3700 Tongeren Tel: +32 12 67 03 30 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.galloromeinsmuseum.be

Bokrijk

Bringing the past back to life in an interesting and exciting way is what you will experience during a visit to the Open Air Museum of Bokrijk. It's a permanent re-enactment of daily life in the Flemish countryside more than 100 years ago. A visible past. More than a hundred historic buildings with furnishings were rebuilt meticulously and embedded in a typical green landscape. There are hardened paths everywhere, but some houses are inaccessible to wheelchairs. There are adapted toilets. It is possible to borrow a wheelchair free-of-charge from the information centre

(main entrance of the Open Air Museum). To check availability please contact the Bokrijk Info center in advance through +32 11 26 53 15. Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 11 26 53 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bokrijk.be

Kattevennen

The Kattevennen domain, one of the five access gateways to the ‘Hoge Kempen’ National Park, has pathways, a geological garden, a playground, picnic tables, a miniature golf course, an artificial ski slope and a Bloso sports centre. You will find an easily accessible toilet in the visitors centre. Planetariumweg 18, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 89 65 55 55 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.toegangspoortkattevennen.be

2.4. East Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen,…)

Cycle routes

Accessible cycle rides (and walks) in East Flanders

Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen has mapped out one accessible walk or cycle route on each of five existing and sign-posted walks and six cycles routes, five through the numbered route hub points and one of which is signposted. These trips take you down comfortable, wide paths, usually with the necessary facilities and rest areas. Any accessible restaurants and cafés nearby can also be found. The walks are between 4 and 11 km long; the cycle trails are between 10 and 36 km. In addition to the advantages, items that may need your attention are also mentioned so you can take these into account during your outing. You can find detailed accessibility information in Dutch on the website www.tov.be/toegankelijkheid. The routes can be obtained from the address below. Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen Sint-Niklaasstraat 2, 9000 Ghent Tel: +32 9 269 26 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.tov.be/toegankelijkheid

Hiring bikes

Buitenspel

You can rent all kinds of mobility aids from Buitenspel, including the following: all kinds of tandem bikes, twinbikes, wheelchair bikes, pinos (tandem recumbent trikes), joëllette wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs. Buitenspel Jules Destréelaan 67 9050 Gentbrugge Tel: +32 9 210 00 00 Fax: +32 9 210 01 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sint-gregorius.be Blog: http://fietsenmetbuitenspel.blogspot.be – Facebook: www.facebook.be/fietsenmetbuitenspel

Hamme tandem bike hire

Tourism Hamme provides 6 tandem bikes (for people with a visual disability and their guides) free of charge. All other persons pay EUR 10 a day. More information: Tourism Hamme Marktplein 1, 9220 Hamme Tel: +32 52 47 56 05 E-mail: [email protected] Website : http://www.hamme.be/website/405-www/407-www/436-www.html

Rental of adapted bikes in Puyenbroeck

At the office window of the bike rental (open from 10 AM till 6 PM, weekends and holidays till 7PM), you can rent a tricycle, a handbike and a handbike to attach to wheelchairs from 1 April till 30 September. Outside of the season, you can rent through the visitors centre (car park 1). Domein Puyenbroeck Puyenbrug 1a, 9185 Wachtebeke Tel: +32 9 342 42 42 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.puyenbroeck.be

Rental of adapted bikes for groups

The Sneukel bike (a project of the non-profit organization ‘t Sneukelwiel, also on p.16) puts regular bikes, tandems, tricycles, wheelchair bikes and duo bikes at the disposal in the domain de Ghellinck in Wortegem-Petegem. The last three also come in electric versions. Only on demand for groups. Vzw ’t Sneukelwiel Lindestraat 60, 9790 Wortegem-Petegem E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tsneukelwiel.be

Hiring out tandems in Deinze

Bike Corner in Deinze hires out 6 tandems and 2 electric bikes. Oudenaardsesteenweg 1, 9800 Deinze Tel: +32 9 386 88 75 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bikecorner.be

Also in Deinze, Het Verzet hires out 20 tandems, 12 electric bikes and an electric carrier tricycle. The bikes can be delivered. Nieuwstraat 41, 9800 Deinze (Astene) Tel: +32 9 380 27 20 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hetverzet.be

Rental of a tandem and electric bikes in Wetteren

The tourist office of Wetteren rents out 1 tandem and 2 electric bikes on demand. Markt 23, 9230 Wetteren Tel: +32 9 366 31 04 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.beleefwetteren.be

Must do’s!

Tour of Flanders Centre

In this visitors centre you can experience and even win the Tour of Flanders every day. You are immersed in the typical atmosphere of the Tour of Flanders, you can follow in the tracks of the heroes of the Tour, and on the interactive attractions you can feel all the strain of the slopes and the pounding of the cobbles. The Centre has quite good accessibility. The entrance door is difficult to open without help. The lift is 100 cm wide and 128 cm deep. There is a special-needs toilet but the space is very tight. You could probably use some help. Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen Markt 43, 9700 Oudenaarde Tel: +32 55 33 99 33 Fax: +32 55 33 99 39 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.crvv.be

Breath history in Ename

The Provincial Archaeological Museum at Ename throws light on the history of the Flemish Ardennes, in particular in the late middle ages. It lies in the centre of a village with a rich heritage and literally under the shadow of a church where you are surrounded by history on every side. The museum is easily accessible and has a specially adapted toilet. There is a specially adapted parking space near the entrance to the museum, which has a low reception desk and a lift. The showcases are sufficiently low and a wheelchair can be provided by the museum. Tactile surfaces are provided for the blind and visually impaired and you can also touch replicas of valuable objects and listen to special audio guides. Texts in large type are also available. A special educational programme for visitors with a learning disability is also available. Subtitling is provided for visitors with a hearing impairment. For those with hearing difficulties, there is also an audio guide. Tour guides are also available on request. Lijnwaadmarkt 20, 9700 Oudenaarde Tel: +32 55 30 90 40 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pam-ename.be

STAM

Whoever wants to know about the Ghent of now and of the past can visit STAM on the fine Bijloke site. A chronological trail brings you from contemporary Ghent in the modern reception building to the early beginnings of the Arteveld city in the former abbey areas. In these settings you can sometimes really imagine yourself to be in the past. The numerous objects on exhibition and interactive elements turn the city museum into a ‘vree wijze’ (local expression for ‘very cool’) experience for young and old. A slope next to the cycle racks enables you to reach the entrance easily with a wheelchair. The doors and passageways are wide enough and a spacious lift brings you quickly to all of the halls. The STAMcafé and the toilet are also accessible. For guided tours you can request a sign language interpreter in advance. Bijlokesite, Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Ghent

Tel: +32 9 267 14 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stamgent.be

2.5. West Flanders (E3 Harelbeke, Gent-Wevelgem, Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde,…)

Cycle routes

‘Sneukel’ along the river Schelde

Between the East Flemish Elsegem and Bossuit (West Flanders) they no longer look up when a wheelchair bicycle, a duo-cycle or a tandem goes past. These zoom around much more often over the flat and well- signposted paths of the Sneukel bicycle route. A route that cyclists with and without a disability can enjoy together, that was the dream of the founder ‘t Sneukelwiel. The result is something to be proud of: a chain of 3 loops which lead you 10, 20 or 35 km through rural Flanders. Where the loops meet, hexagonal signposts put you on the right path. Underway you cross the provincial borders between East and West Flanders and all that time the mighty river Schelde will be your companion. Moreover, ‘t Sneukelwiel also makes a wide choice of ordinary and adapted cycle available for individual visitors and organizations. Don’t forget to visit the easily accessible Pompgebouw (pump building) in Bossuit before or after your cycle trip. The building houses a visitors centre about the Bossuit- Kortrijk canal, the pump building and drinking water production in the region. VVV West-Vlaamse Scheldestreek Doorniksesteenweg 402, 8583 Bossuit-Avelgem Tel: +32 56 45 72 82 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.westvlaamsescheldestreek.be

Everyone’s cycling

Westkans has investigated the accessibility of at least 360 km of cycle network along the Belgian coast. You can find the routes that fit your particular needs at www.iedereenfietst.be (available in Dutch): without gravel or cobblestones, rest areas with benches or accessible toilets, without slopes, etc. The information is useful for all cyclists, not just those with hand bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandems or bicycle trailers. Westkans also suggests 10 easy circular cycling routes. What are you waiting for?

Hiring bikes

Renting special-needs bikes in West Flanders

The Province of West Flanders rents out 2 wheelchair bikes (one of which is motorized), 4 tandem bikes, 2 tricycles, 2 attachable handbikes for adults and two for children from the Boeverbos provincial offices in Sint-Andries. The rental price is EUR 6 per day or EUR 20 per week. Delivery costs EUR 50. Reservations can be made at: Provincie West-Vlaanderen - Provinciehuis Boeverbos

Thierry De Plancke Koning Leopold III-laan 41, 8200 Sint-Andries (Bruges) Tel: +32 50 40 31 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.west-vlaanderen.be (Hou jij van Kwaliteit > Welzijn > Gelijke Kansen )

Handbike in Kortrijk

At the Mobiel bike centre in Kortrijk you can not only buy and repair bikes but also hire them directly. In addition, there are a wheelchair bike, tandems, several models for children and a hand bike for hire (size around 210 cm), the front being very easy to detach. It should be noted that this bike must be adjusted to the build of the person hiring it. Mobiel Min. Pieter Tacklaan 57, 8500 Kortrijk Tel: +32 56 24 99 10 Fax:+32 56 24 99 19 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mobiel.be

Bike hiring in Waregem

At Veloods, you can find a very wide range of conventional and unusual bikes for young and old, including tandem bikes and a wheelchair autocycle. You can get inspiration for the routing of your trip from the range of maps that are available here. Veloods Oude Vijvestraat 29, 8790 Waregem Tel: +32 56 61 21 62 Fax: +32 56 61 34 37 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.veloods.be

Wheelchair bikes in Knokke-Heist

The private-sector firms Freddy Shop and Cyclo Cars Kurt each hire out one of the two wheelchair bikes belonging to the Knokke-Heist council. - Freddy Shop Zeedijk 259, 8300 Knokke-Heist Tel: +32 50 51 11 48 - Cyclo Cars Kurt Zeedijk 667, 8300 Knokke-Heist Tel: +32 50 61 31 15

Wheelchair bike in Nieuwpoort

At bike rental Happy you can rent a wheelchair bike and a beach wheelchair. Zeedijk 10F, 8620 Nieuwpoort Tel: +32 58 23 89 17 E-mail: [email protected]

Must do’s!

Memling in Sint-Jan – Hospital Museum

The St. John’s Hospital (now Memling in Sint-Jan - Hospital Museum) is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. The museum gives a moving impression of what life was like in a medieval hospital ward. The hospital chapel is a virtual monument to the artistic genius of Hans Memling. This 15th-century artist created many of his greatest works for the St John’s Hospital, including his famous St. Ursula Shrine. The museum has two ‘plus suitcases’ developed especially for children with an auditive or visual impairment. That way, they can discover the museum tailor-made. Museum and toilet are accessible with help, entrance via lift. There are raised markings on the lift buttons for people with a visual impairment. Mariastraat 38, 8000 Bruges Tel: +32 50 44 87 11 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museabrugge.be

Broel Museum

The Broel Museum is a museum for applied and visual art located in Kortrijk. The museum presents works of artists who have a connection with Kortrijk. People with a disability will find a doorbell at their height near the main entrance to the museum. Museum staff will accompany you to the side entrance which is easily accessible for people with wheelchairs. The museum has a lift to the first floor. There is an adapted toilet. You can combine this visit with a walk along the nearby Guido Gezellepad. Broelkaai 6, 8500 Kortrijk Tel: +32 56 27 77 80 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.broelmuseum.be

In Flanders Fields museum

The new In Flanders Fields Museum tells the historic story of the First World War along the West- Flemish front. It narrates the invasion of Belgium and the first months of the war of movements, the subsequent four years of trench warfare in the Westhoek, the end of the war and the continuing commemoration. The museum is easily accessible. You may need a little push on the metal ramp at the entrance. The museum has a well adjusted toilet. The museum café is also accessible and has roll-under tables. Two wheelchairs are available for reservation. A special workshop has been designed for the blind and visually impaired, and the museum texts are available in a separate brochure with large type. Lakenhallen, Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres Tel: +32 57 23 92 20 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.inflandersfields.be

3. Breaking new cycling ground

Breaking new ground, that’s what our disabled athletes do every day. Naturally, this also includes the para-cyclists. They, too, have achieved worldwide success in recent years and they are working hard on repeating this in coming years. Not as yet ever been to watch a race? What are you waiting for? There are competitions on three-wheelers, hand bikes, tandem bikes, regular or special-needs racing cycles, etc. Each one is equally awesome. Curious? Then definitely check out www.paralympic.be > Sporttakken (Sports) > Wielrennen (Cycling). The competition calendar is located under Documenten (Documents). This will let you know exactly where to go to support the athletes.

4. Events and competitions

You can find out where and when the disabled cycling competitions are taking place by clicking the link on the previous page. This page has additional information about events and competitions that have been made accessible for the spectator. We will try to update this page regularly.

For the moment, there are no races that are being made accessible by Intro.

Tip: keep an eye on the Intro vzw website www.intro-events.be for upcoming events!

5. Useful addresses and links

Accessible Travel Info Point Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels Tel: +32 2 504 03 40 Fax: +32 2 504 04 05 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.accessibleflanders.be Facebook: www.facebook.com/toegankelijkreizen

More information on Cycling in Flanders: www.cycling-in-flanders.com

Map your own route by picking your cycle route junction points: www.fietsnet.be

Copyrights photos: Koen De Langhe, www.milo-profi.com, Daniël Rys, Westtoer, Intro vzw and BPC.