Utrecht's cycling lessons for refugees: 'Riding a bike makes me feel more Dutch'

Refuge cities In a city where more than 60% of journeys are made by bike, a local community group is using cycling as a tool to integrate people from immigrant backgrounds into their new nation. Peter Walker pays a visit

Naima gingerly pedals her bike round a corner of the car park and comes to a slightly wobbly halt. Feet safely back on tarmac she explains why, 27 years after coming to the Netherlands from Morocco, she has finally begun to learn that most Dutch of skills.

"Being able to ride a bike means I can go cycling with my children - they cycle everywhere," the 47-year-old says. "I can do the shopping on it, and go and see friends. But also, being able to ride a bike makes me feel more Dutch, more part of the community."