Tag Archive: belgium

  1. Belgium’s bicycle industry worth almost €1 billion

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    Source: FPS Mobility of Transport

    FPS Mobility and Transport publishes a new study, conducted by Transport & Mobility Leuven (TML) on Belgium’s cycling economy and its socio-economic effects on the nation.

    In Belgium, cycling is seen as an important part of its society and economy with its numerous benefits, however there haven’t been many studies analysing its economic impact, leading to its Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet requesting for it to be studied.

    Findings from TML revealed that in 2022, Belgium’s bicycle sector achieved a total net value of €951 million with nearly 18,000 full time employees. With these results, it has been noted that the sector has grown by almost 90% in the previous 8 years, and that it still has great potential to grow even further.

    Gilkinet commented the following of the published findings: “By creating jobs and prosperity, the bicycle sector has important economic benefits for our country. Thanks to this study, we have a complete and objective picture of this for the first time. But above all, this study highlights the enormous growth potential of this sector. It will help policymakers to make the best choices for the future, not only in terms of mobility, but also in terms of the economy and public health.”

    The study included the following findings:

    COVID-19 boosted cycling popularity

    The COVID-19 pandemic played a key role in accelerating the shift toward cycling in Belgium, as social distancing measures led to a preference for individual transport options. This trend, combined with the rise of e-bikes and supportive government policies, significantly increased the adoption of cycling as a mode of transportation.

    Diverse and growing cycling industry

    The cycling sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including bicycle production, sales, rental services, tourism, logistics, infrastructure, insurance, and events. In 2022, the cycling economy’s net added value was highest in cycle tourism (€214 million), infrastructure development (€207 million), and bicycle sales (€214 million). The sector’s employment rate grew by 147% since 2015, with logistics (7,021 FTEs), tourism (3,358 FTEs), and sales (2,813 FTEs) as the top job creators.

    Electric bicycles drive sales and industry growth

    For the first time, electric bicycles accounted for over half (51%) of all bicycle sales in 2023, totaling around 620,000 units. The surge in e-bike popularity has increased the average bicycle price from €1,244 in 2019 to €1,915 in 2023, indicating a 31% real increase. The convenience of electric assistance for longer distances and hilly terrains is a major factor behind this shift.

    Future growth and professionalisation

    To sustain the cycling sector’s growth, the study suggests improving infrastructure, enhancing bike availability, and implementing favorable policies, such as tax incentives and mileage allowances. The most impactful scenario involves encouraging 15% of employees to lease bicycles, which could generate €750 million in additional income, benefiting related industries like parts, accessories, and insurance.

    Rosanne Vanpée, Senior Researcher at TML, commented, “Every 1,000 leased bicycles generate €2.8 million in net value and 27 full-time jobs annually.” It has also been noted that active commuting improves physical and mental health, resulting in broader economic gains for workers and society.

    TML’s study findings underscore the cycling sector’s crucial role in Belgium’s economy, with ample opportunities for further growth and sustainable development.

  2. Does darkness influence Cycling? Research from Flanders (Belgium)

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    A recent study published in Transport Policy has provided insight into the factors that may influence people’s decisions to cycle when it’s dark, addressing an often overlooked aspect of urban planning and transportation policies. As cycling continues to grow in popularity as an eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation, understanding the barriers to cycling in different conditions is crucial for creating safer and more inclusive cities.

    Darkness as a barrier

    Darkness poses a significant barrier to cycling primarily due to the increased risk of accidents and a heightened sense of social insecurity. While much research has been done into factors that influence cycling, including socio-demographic factors, darkness has rarely been studied. This study, conducted in East Flanders, Belgium, fills this gap by exploring the decision making process for cyclists in relation to darkness.

    Methodology

    The researchers employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. They surveyed 842 cyclists and conducted 26 in-depth, semi-structured interviews to identify the factors that influence the likelihood of cycling in the dark. The analysis revealed several key insights into how different groups of people approach cycling after dark.

    Key Findings: Who Cycles in the Dark?

    One of the study’s significant findings is that familiarity with a route increases the likelihood of cycling in the dark. Cyclists who regularly use a particular route are more confident and likely to continue using it even when visibility is low.

    Age and life stage also play a crucial role. Elderly individuals and retirees are less likely to cycle in the dark compared to younger people, especially those aged 11 to 17. This younger age group often cycles to school early in the morning, sometimes accompanied by a parent. On the other hand, people who ride racing bikes, often cycling in groups, are less likely to venture out in the dark, preferring daylight hours for recreational and sportive activities.

    Interestingly, the type of bicycle also influences cycling habits in the dark. Cyclists using e-bikes and speed pedelecs are more likely to cycle in low-light conditions compared to those using regular bikes. This may be due to the increased speed and convenience these bikes offer, making them more appealing even when visibility is reduced.

    Gender differences also emerged as a significant factor. Women are 84% less likely to cycle in the dark compared to men, primarily due to concerns about social safety. The perception of danger in dark conditions is a strong deterrent, highlighting the need for better lighting and safety measures to encourage more women to cycle.

    The study also found that living in a rural environment positively impacts the likelihood of cycling in the dark compared to urban areas. This may be due to lower traffic volumes and a greater sense of familiarity and safety in rural areas.

    Implications for urban planning and policy

    To increase cycling rates in the dark, cities need to focus on creating a cycling culture that prioritizes safety and inclusivity. This includes designing and implementing infrastructure that addresses the needs of vulnerable groups, such as women and the elderly, and ensures safe and well-lit routes for all cyclists.

    A holistic approach to urban planning is essential, integrating these elements to create environments where cycling can thrive regardless of the time of day. By understanding the diverse factors that influence cycling in the dark, policymakers can develop targeted strategies to overcome these barriers and promote cycling as a safe and viable option for all.

  3. Ghent subsidies help local suppliers decarbonise deliveries

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    Source: The Mayor

    The Belgian city aims to have its centre emissions free by 2030.

    Companies making deliveries to Ghent’s central area can join one of two pilot projects: receiving a free electric vehicle, or a financial subsidy for a local emission-free last-mile delivery service. Both incentives are provided by the municipality.

    Ghent’s climate goals are notably practical. The city aims to make its central area as emission-free as possible by 2030. While this target may seem less ambitious compared to other cities that promise ’emission-free zones’ or ‘banning fossil fuel cars,’ it appears achievable.

    Not just empty words

    “By 2030, we want city logistics to be as emission-free as possible, but we’re not leaving entrepreneurs to tackle this alone. We give them time to prepare and offer support to encourage them toward sustainable logistics,” explains Sofie Bracke, Alderman for Economy.

    Approximately 7,000 tonnes of goods are delivered to Ghent’s central area (inside the R40 ring road) every week via 40,000 trips by vans and trucks, excluding construction logistics. Daily, 10,000 to 20,000 parcels are delivered to the city center.

    This significantly impacts traffic and emissions, prompting the city to start implementing changes now. The phased approach allows entrepreneurs time to adapt.

    Two options for entrepreneurs

    For the first pilot project, companies, sole proprietorships, or non-profit organizations can test an emission-free vehicle for deliveries in Ghent free of charge for one week. They will also receive advice and customized logistics services.

    Options include an electric truck, box truck, refrigerated truck or van, a light electric freight vehicle, or a cargo e-bike. Testing is available from September 23 to December 13, 2024.

    The second option involves outsourcing the ‘last-mile delivery’. Logistics companies will bundle deliveries and transport goods from the city’s edge to the center. Participants collaborating with these providers will receive a 6,000-euro subsidy.

  4. Bizbike’s Veloci brand exceeds 100,000 bicycles

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    This month, Veloci, a Belgian e-bike brand by Bizbike, is set to reach a significant milestone by surpassing sales of 100,000 units directly to consumers in Belgium. The brand is also expanding its presence in the Netherlands, building on its established market in collaboration with the newspaper publisher Mediahuis.

    Source: NieuwsFiets.nu

    Mediahuis, which publishes a range of newspapers across Belgium and the Netherlands, has been in partnership with Veloci for over a decade. This collaboration has been pivotal in allowing Veloci to offer its e-bikes at competitive prices. “Thanks to this collaboration, which has lasted eleven years in Belgium, we can offer our bicycles at an affordable price to potential bicycle buyers,” explains Laurence Vanhove, Brand Manager Veloci at Bizbike. “On the one hand, we mainly sell the bicycles online via Nieuwsbladshop.be and on the other hand, we have also developed our own store network of seven Veloci stores in Flanders. The first two stores, then still ‘pop-up stores’, opened in 2021. We quickly noticed the added value of these physical points of sale. Potential customers attach great importance to viewing, comparing and testing our bicycles. The balance in sales online and in stores is now approximately fifty-fifty. On April 2, 2024 we opened our seventh store in Aarschot. The other six stores can be found in Aalter, Kuurne, Kasterlee, Houthalen, Mortsel and Erembodegem.” Vanhove went on to highlight other sales channels, “In the Netherlands, sales are mainly online via www.webshop.telegraaf.nl, or via certain fairs. We recently participated in the Cycling and Walking Fair in Utrecht. At consumer fairs we not only work on our brand awareness, but we also want people to extensively test our Veloci,”

    Vanhove states that Bizbike’s role is also very important with regard to after-sales service, because they take full responsibility for it. Also from the bicycles sold online. “We provide a lifetime warranty on the frame, a seven-year warranty on non-electrical parts and a two-year warranty on all electronic parts, such as the battery, motor and display,” Vanhove explains. “We also provide home service and maintain or repair bicycles at customers’ homes. We have a team of thirty mobile technicians who come to solve customer problems throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.”

    Unlike other direct-to-consumer bicycle brands, Veloci focuses on a compact collection, consisting of three city bicycles (Vivid, Vidid Plus and Solid) and a folding bicycle (Hopper). According to Vanhove, a conscious choice. “We focus on a limited number of distinctive models, from € 1,599 to € 2,499, so that the customer does not experience too much choice stress at home or in the store.”

    In 2024, Veloci will welcome two new models to its range. The Vivid Plus is based on the best-selling model of 2023, the Vivid. As a ‘plus’ the bicycle was given hydraulic disc brakes. “In combination with a Bafang mid-motor, 468Wh battery, and a Shimano Altus 8 rear derailleur (and Shimano freewheel), this is the perfect bike for longer distances and hilly areas,” Vanhove explains.

    With the Solid , the Belgian brand is launching a robust e-bike that is built to last. Thanks to the hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Nexus 8 hub gear and closed chain guard, this bicycle is sustainable in maintenance. “The ideal companion for daily trips through town and country,” concludes Vanhove.

  5. TAITO co-founder meets King Philippe of Belgium

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    Source: AVS

    Campus Rommelaere of Ghent University welcomed high profile visitor, King Philippe, who met with student entrepreneurs to discuss their first steps in the business world.

    King Philip arrived at the Rommelaere campus of Ghent University where he received information about DO!, which stands for Dare to Entrepreneurship. The University set up an expertise center for entrepreneurship to help students start their own businesses. After some general explanation, the King met with some former students from Ghent University who had taken up entrepreneurships during their studies and are now running successful companies.

    These included Nathan De Baets, from e-scooter company, TAITO, who met the king and went on to state, “We are TAITO and we have launched the safest and most sustainable electric scooter on the market. We have been working on this for four years now and we have actually been available on the market since March-April last year. It is of course fantastic that the king shows so much interest in young entrepreneurs and what we all do. It was a very interesting conversation and he of course wanted to know what the advantages are that we have compared to other steps.”

    Watch the video on the visit here.

  6. TRAXIO market research: 47% of Belgians want to buy a new bicycle, mainly e-bikes from a bicycle dealer 

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    The Beglian automotive federation published figures on bicycle purchase intent following a 2023 market survey

    Source: TRAXIO

    Filip Rylant, spokesperson for the mobility federation TRAXIO, summarizes the findings of a comprehensive market survey conducted in November 2023 among 2,000 Belgian respondents regarding their intentions to purchase a new or second-hand bicycle. According to the survey, the inclination to make a purchase is notably high, with nearly half (47%) expressing a definite ‘yes,’ while 18% remain uncertain. This positive trend extends to both the short and long term, with 39% planning to make the purchase within two years, 43% within 2 to 5 years, and 17% within 5 years or more. The focus is predominantly on e-bikes, constituting 46% purely e-bikes and 18% a combination of mechanical and electric bicycles. The preferred channels for acquiring a new bicycle are bicycle shops (43%) and sports shops (29%), unlike in neighbouring countries where second-hand bicycle purchases are more common.

    Are you considering a new bike, if yes in what time frame?

    The prospect of obtaining a new bike is encouraging in the near to medium term, with 47% of respondents affirming their intention to buy, while only 18% are undecided. Interestingly, 35% express no desire to acquire a new bicycle. Among those planning a purchase, a significant portion aims for the relatively short term, with 39% intending to buy within two years and 43% within 2 to 5 years. Additionally, 17% plan to make a purchase within 5 years or more, indicating a well-distributed timeline for potential buyers.

    What type of bicycle are you likely to buy?

    The shift towards e-bikes is evident, with 46% planning to purchase at least one e-bike. Another 18% plan to acquire both mechanical and electric bicycles, while 36% opt for one or more mechanical bicycles. This points toward a continued electrification of the Belgian bicycle market. A closer examination of the replacement market reveals that 39% of respondents intend to replace a mechanical bicycle with an electric one, and 27% plan to replace an old e-bike with a new e-bike, emphasizing the substantial potential of e-bikes in the coming years.

    Where are you likely to purchase your bike?

    Consumer preferences for purchasing are tilted towards physical stores, with 43% favouring bicycle shops, 29% opting for sports shops, and 21% considering online options. Media partners’ offerings attract 7% of potential buyers. Proximity, expert advice, and the opportunity to test-drive emerge as key advantages for physical sales channels.

    Would you consider purchasing a second-hand bicycle?

    Belgians appear conservative compared to their Dutch counterparts, as 53% express reluctance, 27% are in favour, and 20% remain undecided. It appears to be too early for second-hand cycles, the evolution of these figures in the coming years will be interesting to observe.

    TRAXIO STATS

    TRAXIO regularly monitors the registration of new and used vehicles, providing detailed insights into national and regional breakdowns, fuel types, CO2 emissions, brands, and ages across various categories such as passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, campers, trailers, and speed pedelecs.

  7. Belgian regulatory changes look set to improve bicycle theft detection

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    Recent changes in legislation make it easier for police to use decoy bikes to tackle theft

    Source: TheMayor.eu

    In 2023 around 30,000 bicycles were reported stolen in Belgium, with the exact number of crime incidents believed to be higher, with most incidents remaining unsolved. Recently announced changes to legislation in Belgium have made it easier for police to use “bait bikes”, vehicles that can track down thieves and return the bikes to their rightful owners.

    Belgian Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt was interviewed by the Brussels Times and said the following “A stolen bike frustrates victims enormously. It also frustrates the police because it is very difficult to catch bicycle thieves in the act, with decoy bikes, we can do something about it.“

    What are “bait bikes”?

    Equipped with a GPS tracker, they are anonymous and can be parked on any street to report to police as soon as a bike starts moving, who can easily follow where the vehicle is going.

    This crime-tackling method is not new, but before the changes in legislation, it was more difficult for police to use it because they had to prove that they were undertaking special organized crime operations to get authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as this action was categorized under special investigation methods. Now they do not have to go to those lengths to use a decoy bike, making the process more streamlined and easier for the police to track down thieves.

    It is expected to boost solvability for this crime and result in more perpetrators being punished (reportedly with fines of up to 400 euros if caught, and for repeat offenders it is less clear if they would receive a more serious punishment).

    With bait bikes being more commonly used by the police, it is hoped that it will serve as a preventive measure to put off thieves from committing the crime in the first place, as it would be difficult for them to know whether they’ll be on the radar of a decoy bike.

  8. Brussels drastically cuts e-scooter numbers starting February 2024

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    Source: The Mayor.eu

    Starting February 1st, 2024, Brussels is implementing significant changes to its e-scooter landscape. The city plans to reduce the available e-scooters from over 20,000 to just 8,000, exclusively operated by Bolt and Dott. Alongside this reduction, designated drop zones will become the sole spots to conclude a ride on these vehicles.

    To accommodate this shift, Brussels Mobility will increase specially assigned parking spaces for shared mobility vehicles from 1,000 to 1,500 in the coming month. Leaving an e-scooter outside these allocated zones will be prohibited from then on.

    This move aligns with a broader trend across European cities to address the unregulated spread of shared micromobility vehicles, which often encroach on pedestrian spaces in urban areas.

    Brussels Mobility highlighted their commitment to providing the safest and most advanced vehicles to the city’s residents. The fleet, comprising e-scooters, bicycles, and mopeds, will boast 100% zero direct emissions. Moreover, special pricing schemes for various target audiences are in the works.

    With licensed operators finalized, other entities now face the task of removing excess vehicles within a six-week grace period.

    Furthermore, regional authorities have selected operators for shared bikes, mopeds, and cargo bikes, establishing quotas for each category in the city.

    The new regulations take effect on February 1st, 2024, across 11 Brussels municipalities. In the remaining eight, operators will utilize GPS tracking systems to restrict parking to locations sanctioned by local authorities.

  9. Belgium increases cycling allowance in 2024 but caps tax exemption

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    The Belgian government has decided to substantially increase the maximum tax-free allowance for commuting by bike, e-bike or speed pedelec, raising it from € 0.27 to € 0.35 per kilometer. The new rate is applicable since 1 January 2024. This initiative is based on the Belgian cycle plan ‘Be Cyclist’, which runs since 2021 until the end of this year.

    Vincent Van Peteghem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, explains the increase: “For those for whom it is possible, cycling is an efficient, sustainable, and healthy way to commute to and from work. With the increase in the tax and social exemption for bicycle allowances, we aim to give an extra push to the number of employees opting for cycling. Because more people cycling also means fewer cars on the road, leading to reduced traffic congestion and better air quality. Undoubtedly, it has a positive impact on the health of our citizens.”

    At the same time, an annual ceiling for tax exemption of € 2,500 has been introduced. This ceiling corresponds to an annual distance of 7,142 km, given a cycling allowance of € 0.35 per km. Based on 210 working days a year, this annual distance equals a one-way commute of 17 km. This may seem a realistic calculation, given that 92% of employees who cycle to work live within less than 15 km from their workplace. Nevertheless, there are speed pedelec riders who use their vehicle to commute over longer distances. LEVA-EU’s technical director for instance has a one-way commute of 40 km. In his case, the capped amount only allows for 89 paid commuting days a year.

    It’s not clear why the government has introduced this cap, thus discriminating those riders who contribute most to avoiding emissions and to reducing congestion, whilst using more expensive vehicles than (e)bike riders. Beyond the cap of € 2,500, riders are still entitled to the cycling allowance of € 0.35 per km but the excess amount becomes subject to social security and tax.

    The Belgian government is addicted to taxing everything and anything. The € 2,500 limit is probably a result of that obsession. It is a pity that no cost/benefit analysis has been carried out to determine the savings in external costs resulting from the replacement of a car with a speed pedelec. That analysis would undoubtedly show how counterproductive that cap is.

    On a more positive note, until April last year, employers had no obligation to pay the cycling allowance. In May 2023, employers’ and employees’ organizations reached an agreement to introduce the entitlement to a cycling allowance in all collective labour agreements in the private sector. This however does not mean that employers must pay € 0.35 per km. They are entitled to pay a lesser amount or a fixed amount per commute.

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