KBC launches company bike leasing scheme in Brussels

Company cars are everywhere in Belgium - but now a bank wants businesses to offer their staff company bicycles instead.

KBC has launched its bike leasing scheme in Brussels after a one-year trial in Flanders. Businesses of any size can register to provide their employees with various models of bike - including folding and electric models - from a network of partner dealers in the city.

Leases are typically for 36 or 48 months and the contract includes routine maintenance and insurance against theft and damage.

According to KBC, a typical journey in the capital under 10km is faster by bike than by car. "Frustrating traffic jams cause employees to lose productivity," said a spokesman. "A bike leasing system seemed the ideal way to promote two wheels on a large scale in the city."