Starting next year, Belgium’s approximately 60,000 federal officials will gain access to a tax-advantaged bicycle leasing program, mirroring a benefit already common in the private sector. This initiative allows employees to use their thirteenth-month salary payment to lease a bicycle and potentially purchase it at a reduced price afterward.

Helmet Requirement Sparks Debate

A key difference distinguishes this program from private sector offerings: Minister of Civil Service Matz (Les Engagés) has mandated helmet use for all federal employees participating in the bicycle leasing program. Her cabinet confirmed this requirement, outlined in a newly published circular letter.

This helmet mandate applies specifically to the bicycle leasing program. Federal officials who cycle to work using their own bicycles are exempt. According to the government, for the bicycle leasing, users must meet a series of obligations, such as the helmet obligation.

Union Response and Enforcement Concerns

Trade unions are aware of the helmet requirement, which was discussed during negotiations regarding the bicycle leasing conditions. Johan Lippens of ACV Public Services stated, The obligation noticed us in the discussions about the conditions for the Fietsleasing. We ultimately did not have any fundamental objections to it,partly because many federal officials in the centre of Brussels work. And that is not the safest environment in terms of bicycles.

Lippens also tempered expectations regarding strict enforcement,saying,We suspect that it will not be strictly checked immediately.

Antwerp’s Helmet Policy and Concerns About reduced Bicycle Use

The city of Antwerp also has a helmet policy for its staff, specifically during work hours.This requirement was a condition imposed by insurance company Ethias when renewing its contract with the city council. The policy faced criticism, with the Groen party expressing concerns that it might deter employees from cycling, thereby reducing bicycle usage.

Fietsersbond’s Nuanced Outlook

The Fietsersbond, a cycling advocacy group, offers a more nuanced perspective on the helmet mandate for federal officials. Wies Callens of the Fietsersbond stated:

There is a difference between commuting from federal employees and an Antwerp official who is obliged to wear a helmet for also very short journeys, such as between two nearby offices of the city. In the latter case we found that obligation somewhat exaggerated.
Wies Callens, Fietsersbond

E-Bikes and Speedpedelecs: A Factor in the Debate

Callens noted the increasing popularity of electric bicycles and speedpedelecs within the bicycle leasing program. But at Fietsleasing we see that electric bicycles or even faster speedpedelecs are often chosen, Callens said. In the latter case, a helmet is simply required by law. With e-bikes, wearing it is indeed still recommended. Helmets are legally required for speedpedelecs, which are faster than standard e-bikes.

Call for Safer Cycling Infrastructure

Callens expressed frustration with the ongoing debate surrounding bicycle helmets, suggesting that the focus should shift to creating safer cycling infrastructure. It would be better a bit more often about safe bicycle infrastructure, more streets where a zone 30 applies. So that bicycles generally become safer, with or without a bicycle helmet. Zone 30 refers to areas with a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour (approximately 19 miles per hour), designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.