Cycling on prescription: a healthy future for the Brainport region
Published on October 29, 2025What if the GP prescribed pedals instead of pills? In his essay "Cycling on Prescription: Green Waves and Red Carpets," Niels Steeghs tells his story as if he were that GP himself: someone who prescribes exercise as the key to a healthy society. Niels, Information Manager at GGD Brabant-Zuidoost and resident of Eindhoven, envisions a future in which cycling is a natural choice. For young and old, for work and leisure. His fresh perspective earned him the grand prize in the writing competition organized by the Cyclists' Union and Tour de Force.
Another view
Since becoming a father, Niels has seen the world around him differently. "My daughter once said, 'Dad, I really want to be able to cycle to school safely.' That touched me," he says. "Since then, I've seen the city through her eyes. And I realize: what applies to her, applies to many people." In daily life, Niels works at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) on information management and ICT processes. He also enjoys writing. His love of cycling, health, and imagination came together in his winning essay. "Mobility is often about infrastructure and technology. But cycling also touches on health, air quality, noise, and the living environment. It's a multi-faceted sword."
From idea to essay
The idea for the essay stemmed from his own experiences in Eindhoven. "There are places, like the inner ring road, where crossing the road on a bike can be quite daunting for children. My daughter almost fell off her bike there once, too. When I saw the Cyclists' Union's call for proposals, I thought: this is exactly what I want to tell. Everything came together: my work, my passion for cycling, and my belief in prevention." He deliberately chose the Brainport region as his destination. "We're growing rapidly. Municipalities and Brainport Bereikbaar are taking great steps to improve accessibility and cycling safety. There will be more space for green spaces, for cycling, for healthy choices. That fits perfectly with the future of this region."
A realistic dream
The competition required a realistic vision. Much of what I'm describing already exists or is in development. Whether it will look exactly like this, I don't know. But we're heading in the right direction. Niels also sees changes closer to home. "In many of our streets, cars are parked for a large part of the day. If we share more, there will be room for other things: a bench, children playing, people getting together. Cycling literally provides movement and connection."
Cycling as medicine
"Cycling on prescription" is more than just an idea, says Niels. "In healthcare, lifestyle is increasingly important. Cycling helps not only physically, but also mentally. It reduces stress, it slows us down. If we exercise more, we stay healthy longer and need to visit the doctor less often. That aligns perfectly with our mission: we want everyone to be healthy." The prize that Niels won together with illustrator Ineke Neutelings – €2,000 – goes to Fietsmaatjes Eindhoven. "This way, more people can get moving. Isn't it wonderful that a personal idea triggers something bigger?"
Collaboration with Brainport Accessible
"With Brainport Bereikbaar, we at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) are exploring how we can better connect mobility and health," says Niels. "It's about more than just transportation. Cycling for mental health. Dreaming of a region where exercise is a given. Because if we can envision that, we can work towards it together."
Get inspired!
Do you want to keep Brainport accessible? Join us. We would be happy to discuss this with you. To work on opportunities, innovations and solutions. Because we can only do that together. Contact us at info@brainportbereikbaar.nl.
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