ASML: 'We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn to cycle'

More than a third of ASML employees come to work by bike. A considerable number, especially when you consider that some 20,000 employees of the Dutch high-tech company ASML work on the Veldhoven campus. 'But it can always be better and it should be', says ASML project leader Matthijs van Orsouw. 'That is why we are continuously working on new initiatives. Such as organizing cycling lessons for internationals in the region.'

'Partly due to the location of our campus, transport to and from the campus is a challenge every day. We do our best to manage this properly, but that is not possible if everyone comes by car'. That is why Matthijs and his Access & Mobility team come up with all kinds of initiatives for safe, easy and sustainable transport to and from the ASML Campus. 'We always carry out a pilot first. If this is successful, the initiative is implemented. This has led to, among other things, a bicycle sharing system with e-bikes and an 'on demand' shuttle service that employees can use. This allows them to travel sustainably and quickly between ASML locations and Eindhoven Central Station.'

Helping internationals learn to cycle

ASML also works with other parties on the accessibility of the region. 'We regularly consult on this theme with Fontys, the University of Eindhoven, Brainport Bereikbaar and the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. That is how we came to the conclusion that we have a shared need to teach internationals how to cycle. 40% of our employees in the Netherlands do not have a Dutch passport. There is a cycling culture in the Netherlands and we would like to offer all internationals the opportunity to be part of that. That is how the idea for developing a cycling school came about.'

Cycling gives freedom

It was immediately clear that the cycling school had to be for all internationals in the region. 'Fontys and ASML, in collaboration with cycling café de Velosoof, have stimulated the project by organizing several pilots with cycling lessons. Brainport Bereikbaar is now taking up the follow-up to make the cycling lessons accessible to employees of other regional companies as well. I think it's great that the 'Brainport Bike School' is now here. The pilot days had exactly the atmosphere we wanted: very accessible, at a nice, unique location with a snack and drink and the space to meet each other. It was great that students and ASML employees started talking to each other: a course like this expands your network.'

Keeper

Matthijs hopes that the Brainport Bike School will be a permanent fixture. 'Of course, there is still a lot to be learned from the pilot. Perhaps we should reshape the cycling lessons. For example, we have learned that participants like to take more lessons to get a better handle on cycling. I hope that the Brainport Bike School will be a great success and that we can help many internationals in the Brainport region on their way. It will not be due to ASML: we are very happy to help with this!'