Belgium offers cash reward for cycling to work
Belgium has introduced a new regulation that offers a mandatory bicycle allowance to those who cycle to work. The regulation came into effect from May 1 and mandates the allowance of 0.27 euro (approximately 6 lira) per kilometer for every employee who cycles to their workplace. The new rule also limits the daily bicycle allowance to 40 kilometers, which means the amount cannot exceed 10.8 euros (about 230 liras) per day. The National Labor Council reached this agreement between employers and worker representatives to encourage more people to use bicycles to commute, and it is hoped that the new regime will promote the widespread adoption of bicycles for daily transportation needs. Until now, employers could decide on the bicycle allowance rates. Around 30 percent of employers had already been providing such allowances based on the distance their employees had to travel daily. However, with the new mandatory allowance, more people are predicted to switch from cars to bikes for their regular commuting. The new bicycle allowance will be tax-free.
