Staff can cycle to work via DP World Antwerp

Employees and dock workers on permanent contracts at DP World Antwerp can lease a bicycle from this year on. With the bicycle plan, the terminal operator hopes, on the one hand, to promote a healthy lifestyle and, on the other hand, to offer a solution to the congestion problem in the Waasland Port.

Employees and dock workers on permanent contracts at DP World Antwerp can lease a bicycle from this year on. With the bicycle plan, the terminal operator hopes, on the one hand, to promote a healthy lifestyle and, on the other hand, to offer a solution to the congestion problem in the Waasland Port.

The information sessions already attracted around 150 interested employees, or one fifth of the workforce. A previous survey showed that many employees are open to alternatives to commute. In the “Bike Bus” of leasing partner B2Bike they could try out 20 different bike models.

Sustainable and healthy

With the bicycle plan, DP World wants to contribute to sustainable mobility in the port. Moreover, the company is currently running a health game. “As an employer, we want to offer a total package that promotes the health of our employees and gets them to work in a sustainable way,” says Suzanne Kwanten, environmental coordinator of DP World Antwerp. Not only employees and blue-collar workers, but also dock workers in permanent employment can sign up for the bicycle plan. “The fact that dockers are also offered a bicycle plan is a milestone in the sector,” says Johan De Mulder of leasing partner B2Bike.

Variety of choice

Employees can choose from a wide range of leasing bikes, from speed pedelecs to e-bikes and sports bikes. “We aim for a maximum offer to meet the demands of each employee. We hope this will enable to convince as many colleagues as possible,” says Suzanne Kwanten. Each bike is adapted for the use on public roads. Because safety is important to the terminal operator, cycling employees must wear a helmet and a fluorescent jacket. In case of a breakdown on the road, they can call an assistance insurance, and for maintenance they can go to one of the various B2Bike shops in Flanders.

Leasing partner B2Bike

Together with many other port companies, DP World Antwerp joins the B2Bike bicycle leasing service, which is iBikes business department, set up according to the principle of lease cars. “2000 employees use our cycling services in the Antwerp port region. We are delighted that DP World Antwerp now also joins the sustainable mobility initiative,” says Johan De Mulder of B2Bike. DP World also includes the speed bike in its offer. Johan De Mulder: “A brave choice, because the risk of accidents is somewhat higher. However, it is by daring to make this choice and by stimulating cycling as much as possible that traffic will eventually become safer. DP World has actually taken the lead.” Employees who want to lease a speed bike at DP World will follow a training course first.