Who does the scheme apply to?

The scheme applies to children who live in Heerlen and are eligible for an allowance for transportation to school. For the new school year, parents can opt for a new bicycle and a mileage allowance. Entitlement to an allowance for other transport, for example public transport or the parents' car, will then lapse. Also for children who are dependent on cab transport because of their disability, but prefer to (learn to) ride a bicycle, parents can apply.

Encouraging independence

Councilwoman Arlette Vrusch: "Cycling is healthy and good for children's development. With this new scheme, we hope to encourage families to choose to cycle. This is a good alternative especially for the group of children who do not live very far from school and currently travel by public transport or are brought by parents by car. It is important that this group of children also cycle as much as possible, as far as they can. I hope many parents will take advantage of that."

Terms

Parents can also contribute an amount to the new bicycle themselves, using the grant in the process for a bicycle of their choice. It does not matter where the bicycle is purchased, as long as it is done at a physical bicycle store where the child can be fitted with an appropriate bicycle in person. Bike stores must also meet the municipality's purchasing requirements. In any case, bicycle stores in Parkstad will be actively approached to participate in this new scheme.

Pupil transport in Heerlen

626 children in Heerlen receive some form of pupil transportation. This can be a kilometer allowance for own transport, public transport, or cab transport. Pupil transport must be applied for per school year; the municipality of Heerlen always looks for a customized provision. All parents with children in pupil transport will soon receive a letter and a flyer from the municipality with more information about this new arrangement.

Want to know more?

Check out the student transportation application page on this website.