Case study: bike leasing at the municipality of Merchtem

Why did your municipality choose bike leasing for its employees?

Like all municipalities, we want to reduce our CO₂ emissions. We tried to set up a wind farm, but that hasn’t worked out so far. However, we have already equipped all our public buildings with LED lighting, including our sports facilities.

As a municipality, we are also committed to more sustainable mobility. We notice that mobility remains a major challenge for many municipalities. That’s why our municipality decided to allocate a budget to offer lease bikes to the staff of the municipality of Merchtem. We want to get our employees on bikes instead of in cars.

Why did you choose Cyclobility as your bike leasing partner?

When we were looking for a bike leasing partner, we tested all kinds of bikes from different leasing companies. I remember it well - all the test bikes were parked here in the garage. Everyone unanimously agreed on the quality of Cyclobility’s bikes. They clearly stood out above the rest…

What is your vision on sustainable mobility?

There’s no denying it, sustainability is very important. Most people who work here live nearby, so they don’t have to travel far. And yet, too many people still come by car! By offering bike leasing, we lower that barrier.

Employees can lease a very high-quality electric bike for a small amount. To make our municipality even more attractive for cyclists, all streets in the center are designated as 30 km/h zones. We are also expanding cycling highways and bike streets.

At the beginning of the legislative term, bike streets were still quite abstract. Now people fully understand what they are, and cars stay behind cyclists. This transition went very smoothly!

What added value does bike leasing offer for the municipality and for employees?

For a very small deduction from their net salary, employees can lease high-quality electric bikes . They use these bikes for their commute, but also privately. For example, we have an employee from Aalst who, in good weather, comes to Merchtem with an electric cargo bike . This allows him to carry all kinds of items and arrive without being drenched in sweat. This bike is a great alternative to the car.

By offering electric bikes, you make cycling accessible to everyone. I myself have been riding electric for a long time. In the past, people found it a bit amusing when I arrived on an electric bike. Now it is widely accepted, and people understand the added value of an electric bike.

In addition to the quality of the bikes, we are also very satisfied with the overall package. Our employees can ride worry-free. Everything is included in the lease package: semi-annual maintenance, all repairs through your mobile service or a local bike mechanic. In case of a flat tire, they can rely on VAB. All necessary insurance is included as well—everything is taken care of. For a small net deduction, they get a lot in return. Bike leasing offers exceptional advantages .

Would you recommend other public services to start a bike leasing program?

Absolutely. I would recommend it to everyone, and I’m happy to share my experience! We have very positive experiences with Cyclobility’s bike leasing .