Fietstaxis (c) Martin Corlazzoli
De Fietsambassade Gent provides a bicycle taxi service for anyone who is less mobile and needs a short trip in Ghent.
Whether someone has an appointment at the hairdresser, is visiting family, or simply wants to get some fresh air but has difficulty moving independently, the bicycle taxi can provide the ride.
The drivers are a mix of newcomers and longer-term Ghent residents. As volunteers, they have received solid training to operate the bicycle taxi. The entire operation is coordinated by De Fietsambassade Gent.
The bicycle taxi is available to all less mobile people in Ghent, regardless of age. It can also be used by people who are temporarily less mobile, for example due to a broken leg.
A rickshaw can carry two passengers, with a maximum of 160 kg in total. Alternatively, one person can travel together with a foldable walker.
For wheelchair users, transport is available through a wheelchair bike. The passenger remains seated in their wheelchair, and one of the drivers picks them up with an adapted wheelchair transport bike.
Fietstaxis (c) Martin Corlazzoli
A recent survey confirmed the need for such a service:
- 93% of passengers say the service has become indispensable.
- 67% report having more social contact.
- 41% feel less lonely thanks to the Fietstaxi.
“Our service fills a niche for very short distances, serving people who may find it challenging to walk even 100–200 meters. This makes it a valuable alternative to traditional taxis, which can be expensive for such short trips. Additionally, the project goes beyond mere transportation; it is a social initiative. Time is also spent assisting passengers with tasks like shopping, where volunteers may even enter stores to guide and support them. This sets the project apart as a unique and low-barrier mobility solution.”
Fietstaxi is now creating a national association to help other cities develop and launch rickshaw services. More information about the project is available here.
What started as a bottom-up initiative with Saar Fivez and Liesbet Colson, who were later hired to Fietsambassade Gent to profesionnalise the service, has now secured a 5 years funding from the City of Gent to run the service and further improve it. This is the result of years of work growing the service (who now provides thousands of rides per year) and demonstrating its impact to a population that needs it.