In May 2024, the City of Bruges, in collaboration with SHARE-North Squared partner Mpact, launched a new project called Tope Riejn. This initiative takes its name from the local dialect, meaning "riding together," and aims to make Bruges more inclusive. Several Bruges' residential care centers share 25 adapted bicycles, specifically designed for people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair bikes and tandems, with the local community.
Adapted vehicles like these bicycles are often too expensive to purchase and difficult to find for rent. Meanwhile, many residential care centers own such vehicles, which are often underused, especially on weekends. The City of Bruges sought a solution to make these bicycles more accessible to the wider community, and that’s when they partnered with Mpact!
Mpact's peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform, Cozywheels, enables individuals and organizations to share their cars and bikes, within their neighborhoods. Owners choose who can access their vehicles and manage bookings through a reservation calendar. Cozywheels simplifies the sharing process by offering different tools, like a system for monthly invoicing based on usage.
A wide variety of private vehicles are shared on Cozywheels. Recently, several adapted bicycles have been added to this platform, allowing residential care centers to share their bikes with residents. Thanks to Cozywheels, people with reduced mobility can now enjoy a bike ride with their families. Tope Riejn is a perfect example of how vehicle-sharing solutions can bridge the gap between accessibility and community needs!