As soon as you enter the care home, Bike Labyrinth catches your eye. The screen is placed at the end of the hallway, where everyone passes by. “It’s precisely because of that central location that residents use it so often,” says Annemieke. “We’ve placed a few chairs next to it so that others passing by can stop, sit down, and chat with the person who’s cycling.”

From not cycling at all to twice a day

One resident hadn’t cycled in years. At home, she wouldn’t get on a bike anymore—not even a stationary one. “But when she moved in, she immediately wanted to try Bike Labyrinth. Now she sometimes cycles twice a day. Her fitness has improved significantly, and she’s regained confidence in cycling.”

One of the most popular routes at Fidesta Noflik Wenje is the farm ’t Geertje. “That route brings back many memories for our residents. Along the way, you pass by all kinds of farm animals and go through different barns. They really enjoy it. Often, they watch together and share personal stories.”

Accessible for everyone

Bike Labyrinth isn’t just used by residents. Older adults from outside the facility also join in. “What’s great about Bike Labyrinth is that anyone can use it. A volunteer’s husband had hip surgery and wasn’t allowed to stand on it afterward. He was in a wheelchair, and the physiotherapy clinic only had a high exercise bike. Here, he could just sit behind Bike Labyrinth. He built up his strength again, and his rehabilitation went well. It’s amazing we can offer this.”

Sailing through the canals of Leiden, in the Netherlands

The lifelike videos leave a strong impression. “One of our ladies loves cycling through the canals of Leiden, in the Netherlands. When ducks appear on the screen, she starts pedaling backward—she absolutely doesn’t want to ‘ride over’ them. And when the route goes under a bridge, she leans back slightly. That’s how real it feels to her.” From early morning until late at night, residents of Fidesta Noflik Wenje are cycling all over the world. The movement it encourages and the conversations it sparks make Bike Labyrinth truly valuable at this location.