“Whatever happens in the world – this is good”

22 October 2025

Cycling with a stranger: it sounds simple, but it can change lives. When Marjo retired, she looked for something new. She found it with Fietsmaatjes: an initiative where volunteers, along with people who can no longer cycle independently, rediscover the city and life – on an electric tandem bike. What started as a good idea became a small adventure with a big impact. “Every ride is special. And sometimes even moving.”

Marjo: “I’d seen Fietsmaatjes somewhere, but it turned out they didn’t exist in Amsterdam yet. So in 2024, I co-founded Fietsmaatjes Westerpark, the Amsterdam branch of the national initiative. I thought it would be nice to cycle with people—such a simple pleasure. People see the city, feel the wind, and beam. It makes you happy too. The beginning was tough. Setting up the foundation was a real hassle. The to-do list was endless; I sometimes felt desperate. We cycle with vulnerable people, so you have to organize everything properly. But now that we’re up and running, it’s so worth it.”

One ride can make all the difference

We now have almost 60 cycling buddies (volunteers and guests), ranging from people in their late 20s to their 90s, from general practitioners to musicians. I’m getting to know a lot of great people. Volunteers have a zest for life. And our guests are happy to be able to enjoy the fresh air and the wind in their hair again.” Marjo remembers a woman who asked how much it cost to cycle along. “When I said, ‘Nothing – we do this voluntarily,’ she got tears in her eyes.”

Reading books with children

In addition to her volunteer work for Fietsmaatjes (Cycling Buddies), Marjo teaches children with language delays. “I take children out of the classroom one by one to read a book together. When I come in, everyone immediately goes up: ‘Can I go with Miss Marjo?’ That’s so sweet and absolutely priceless. The downside is that they think I’m incredibly old. I let them guess. Some thought I was 80, even 90! It must be because of my gray hair.”

Making small differences

What’s happening in the world makes me desperate. It’s all so sad and absurd. But I have no control over the bigger picture, so I try to make a difference in small ways. Like with Fietsmaatjes and the children. Then I feel: whatever’s happening in the world, this is good.