Long live cycling! Why cycling is becoming increasingly popular in companies

The electric bike is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why cycling is on the rise, says Michaël Maes from bike leasing company Cycle Valley. “About 75% of the bikes we lease are electric. Interest in the classic, non-electric city bike has decreased.” Besides the bikes themselves, cycling infrastructure in Belgium has also improved significantly in recent years. “Our governments have heavily invested in bike paths and bike highways. Even our northern neighbors are jealous of our bike highways as a cycling nation. Cycling has also become much safer this way,” says Michaël.

In addition, the mandatory bike allowance gives a strong boost to the bike as a means of transport. The maximum tax-free bike allowance today is 0.35 euros per kilometer, with a maximum of 3,500 euros per year. This means you can earn a nice sum by occasionally leaving the car at home and cycling to work. The physical exercise comes free of charge.

Why lease a bike?

In the meantime, bike leasing has become established in many companies. “Five years ago, we still had to explain the basics of bike leasing, but today we receive more concrete questions about, for example, roadside assistance or the costs in case of early termination of a contract,” says Michaël. “For employers, offering a lease bike is a cost-neutral operation. Moreover, such a bike is essential in the context of sustainability and responsible entrepreneurship. By choosing leasing, employers don’t have to worry about anything. We take care of everything from ordering to use and maintenance of the bike.”

For employees, there are only advantages associated with a lease bike. They benefit from spread payments (often via gross salary) and full relief from the service package (maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and replacement bike). “We notice that people often choose a bike from a more expensive segment. The monthly payment reduces the cost impact, making it possible to take a higher-quality bike. The price of the bikes chosen with us averages 4,750 euros. Employees pay that amount over a period of three to four years.”

Technology and connectivity

“If people don’t choose an electric bike, racing bikes and gravel bikes are the most popular. We also often look at the functional use of a bike. For example, we see that the cargo bike is gradually being replaced by a longtail. Parents find such a bike safer because the children sit at the back,” explains Michaël.

Comfort and a smooth riding experience are important expectations of employees. A good battery and a strong motor are also high on the wish list. In that respect, bike manufacturers are increasingly mirroring the automotive sector. For example, bikes today are connected. “GPS and tracking have already broken through. We also see smartphone integrations and electric locks emerging. And even in maintenance, bike dealers look at the display and history of the computer to quickly find the root cause of a problem,” he says.

Most technology focuses on increasing bike safety. “Regenerative braking, ABS systems, and even turn signals are making their way from the car to the bike sector. There are even experiments with bike helmets and backpacks that slightly inflate, like an airbag, to reduce the impact of a fall for the rider.”

Cycling is the future

Despite the popularity of the bike, Michaël still sees growth potential. “Currently, 2.3% of employees in Belgium lease a bike. That is more than 10% less than the number of employees with a lease car. Of course, both means of transport can perfectly complement each other. We therefore think that the number of bikes will still increase significantly, especially regarding electric bikes and speed pedelecs. The bike is the means of transport of the future, and the wind is at its back,” concludes Michaël.

Does your company not yet offer bike leasing? Discover here how we help you expand your mobility offering with a healthy and relaxing alternative.