Have you ever been stuck in traffic and looked enviously at people quickly passing by on bike?

Biking is a popular way of commuting to work in Belgium, especially around the Antwerp Harbor area, where road construction projects are often underway, and traffic jams are common during peak travel times. Earlier this year, Monument Chemical Kallo introduced a bicycle lease program as part of a plan to increase employees’ mobility – allowing them to combine exercise with a means of traveling to work that has the added benefit of being better for the environment.

“Several companies offer bicycle leasing programs to employees, but Monument has gone ‘Above and Beyond’ by paying a large amount of the monthly lease fee,” said Kim De Wilde, HR Officer in Kallo. “Employees can choose from a wide range of bicycles – such as racing and mountain bikes, as well as speed and electric bikes – with most options being available at no additional cost to employees.”

Most eligible employees have already chosen to take advantage of the leasing program. Feedback from participating employees has been very enthusiastic with comments like the following:

• “Introducing the bicycle lease plan will make my life healthier and sportier. After all, instead of driving to work every day by car, I'll take the bike to go to work.”
• “I opted for a racing bike as I also regularly cycle team-related in my leisure time.”
• “For me, an electric bike was a nice option because the distance for commuting with a normal bike is just a bit too far. So, it looks like I'm going to cycle to work very regularly now.”
• “We think this is a very nice gesture and a good investment of Monument Chemical for its employees.”

Many employees in Kallo see the ability to use the leased bicycles for both professional (commuting) and private use as a valuable benefit. In many cases, being able to avoid traffic backups means employees can get to work – and back home – more quickly than if traveling by car!

Kim credits the existing infrastructure in Kallo in encouraging employees to take advantage of the leasing program. “We have changing rooms and showers on-site, so employees can quickly freshen up or change clothes,” she said. “And with electric bikes being a popular choice of employees who have a longer commute, we also plan to install a battery-charging station soon.”