Belgians cycle more often and further, but lag behind when it comes to bicycle maintenance and knowledge of insurance and other services
Brussels, 21 May 2026 - 10.30 CEST
The bicycle has once again become a fully fledged means of transport in Belgium. To gauge the situation in the cycling community, KBC Bank & Insurance, CBC Insurance and KBC Autolease – in partnership with research firm Profacts – conducted a large-scale cycling survey of over 2 000 customers and more than 120 bicycle repair shops. The survey provides an insight into the bicycle use of Belgians, the condition of their bikes and maintenance behaviour from the point of view of both cyclists and authorised bicycle repairers. The conclusions are clear: Belgians cycle frequently and cover considerable distances getting to and from work and when cycling in their free time. However, there is clearly still room for growth when it comes to maintenance, prevention and knowledge of bicycle insurance and assistance.
Bicycles again fulfil the role of all-round workhorse
More than half of cyclists in Belgium ride their bikes several times a week or even every day. The bicycle is no longer used exclusively for cycling short distances or for recreational purposes, but is increasingly becoming part of a daily travel routine, including commuting.
51% of cyclists (occasionally) cycle to and from work. For the majority of them (68%), the bicycle is in fact the main means of transport for this type of travel. Cycling to work is not limited to those who live close to their job either: almost four in 10 surveyed cycle more than 10 kilometres per journey. Electrification plays a key role here and also clearly lowers the threshold for cycling longer distances. The results confirm that bicycles, and in particular e-bikes, are a realistic and viable way to supplement or replace other means of transport.
Maintenance remains an area requiring attention
Although nine out of 10 cyclists indicate that their bikes are in good or very good condition, the survey tells a different story when it comes to their actual maintenance behaviour.
Four in 10 cyclists do not carry out preventative maintenance on their bikes, but instead wait until repairs are absolutely necessary. Bicycle repair shops also confirm this observation, indicating that less than 40% of the bikes they receive for maintenance or repairs are in good condition. Wear and tear is often considerable by the time the bike is brought in.
In particular, younger cyclists and users of traditional, non-electric bikes tend to maintain their bicycles less frequently. Even with leased bikes, the recommended maintenance schedule is not always strictly respected.
Buying a bicycle remains a local and in-store event
Despite the high degree of digitalisation in other sectors, buying a bicycle in Belgium is still something that people prefer to do locally and in a physical point of sale. Seven out of 10 cyclists buy their bike – whether new or second-hand – from an official bike shop or bike dealer. For now, online and digital sales channels play only a limited role in the purchase process.
Knowledge of bicycle-related insurance and assistance could be better
The risk of a bicycle being stolen remains a major concern for many cyclists especially if they own an electric bike, which is usually more expensive. Even so, only a minority (one in three) of the cyclists surveyed have some form of insurance cover for damage or theft.
Cyclists without such protection often say they don’t know enough about the insurance being offered or they find it difficult to see the added value of having it.
Although two-thirds of the cyclists say they are familiar with bicycle roadside assistance (breakdown assistance, including roadside rescue, repairs and bicycle transport), the number of people who have taken it out remains rather limited.
This shows that there is a need for clear and accessible information on the insurance options that are currently available.
From bicycle use to sustainable bicycle care
The cycling survey confirms that the bicycle has once again become a permanent fixture in the daily lives of many Belgians. At the same time, it makes it clear that timely maintenance is essential for sustainable bicycle use. Indeed, bicycle use and bicycle safety form an unbreakable tandem that has been further strengthened by the emergence of the e-bike.
Nele Vandaele, Senior General Manager, KBC Insurance NV: ‘As a caring insurer, KBC Insurance is firmly committed to sustainable mobility by offering complete protection solutions and services that support the (changing) mobility needs of our customers-bicycle users. By conducting surveys, we stay up to date on all aspects of bicycle use in Belgium. A well-maintained bicycle is not only easier to ride, it is safer too.’
Wannes Vermost, CEO of KBC Autolease NV: ‘This survey underlines the importance of bicycle leasing solutions in driving the growth of bicycle use. Cycling is becoming an increasingly significant part of commuting, with ever longer distances being covered. In addition, the bicycle has now become an indispensable part of people’s social life. In other words, reliability is a crucial factor and, like safety, this is inextricably linked to having a well-maintained bicycle. We’ve learned from the survey that certain opportunities still exist in this area.’
