Defense starts with bike leasing: what does this mean for military personnel?

When can Defense employees lease a bike?

The tender for the framework agreement has yet to be published. A preliminary announcement was made at the end of 2024. The rollout is planned for 2025, but the exact date for selecting a leasing partner is not yet known. Once the framework agreement is signed, employees will be able to register for a leased bike.

How does bike leasing work at Defense?

The system is similar to bike leasing already available to employees in the private sector. Employees can convert their year-end bonus into a bike leasing budget. At the end of the lease period, there is an option to buy the bike at a pre-determined price. Defense is looking for a reliable leasing partner to manage the contracts and provide support.

Lessons from the pilot project with Cyclis Bike Lease

This is not the first time Defense has explored bike leasing. In 2018, a pilot project was launched at the 11th Engineer Battalion in Burcht, in collaboration with Cyclis Bike Lease. Due to roadworks around Antwerp, they were looking for alternative mobility solutions. Interest was high, but financing proved to be a hurdle. At the time, Defense could not apply a gross salary deduction, making the costs too high for many interested employees. As a result, no lease contracts were signed, and the pilot project was discontinued. This new initiative appears to provide a solution to that problem.

What are the benefits?

Bike leasing offers multiple advantages for Defense employees:

• Cost savings: Thanks to the gross salary benefit, a leased bike becomes much more affordable.
• Health and well-being: Cycling promotes an active lifestyle and reduces stress.
• Sustainability: Less car traffic means fewer traffic jams and a smaller environmental footprint.
• Flexibility: Military personnel and other employees can choose a bike that suits their needs.

Bike leasing: the future of Defense mobility?

With this initiative, Defense joins numerous companies and public institutions that offer bike leasing. Although previous initiatives were unsuccessful, the new plan provides a feasible and beneficial option for employees. This initiative could also set a precedent for other government sectors.

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