Getting to work

Cycling to work offers benefits to both employers and employees.

Employees that cycle to work often beat the congested traffic and arrive at work feeling refreshed, awake and ready for the day. Employers benefit from healthier staff who, on average, take less sick days that non-cycling staff. Plus cyclists take up much less space in the staff car park.

There is a pack of information on the Employers Gear Up pages.

Getting your voice heard

Many people who cycle to work are also part of a workplace Bicycle User Group (BUG). These groups give cyclists a 'voice' in the organisation. Lifecycle tells you more on their Cycle Friendly Employers site.

Ask your employer if your organisation has a BUG. Your employer can also tell you about a range of incentives that are in place to encourage employees to cycle to work. Details about two common incentives are summarised below:

Discounted Cycle Loan & Purchase

Cycle to work initiatives take advantage of legislation introduced by the government to encourage employees to bike to work.

Employees can receive a bike tax-free through a salary sacrifice scheme, typically over a 12 month period. Depending on earnings an employee could save up to 50% on the full retail price of a bike and associated accessories.

Find out more: www.cyclescheme.co.uk or www.cycletoworknow.com  
 

Cycle Mileage

Employers can pay up to 20 pence per mile (tax free) to employees who use their own bikes for business travel. (Journeys between home and work are not classed as business travel). Employers can, if they wish, pay mileage at a higher rate but this will not be tax free.  

If the employer doesn’t pay cycle business mileage, employees can claim tax relief on 20p per business mile, or on the balance up to 20p per mile if the employer pays less than this rate.

For more information on tax issues visit HM Revenue and Custom's page on provision of benefits to cyclists.

Encouraging your employer

Life Cycle offer employers an interactive presentation to encourage staff to get on their bikes. One of their roadshows can be just the motivator to get your staff or colleagues into cycling and confident and competent on the roads.

Give Life Cycle a call on 0117 353 4580 for more details.

Sustrans have an Active Travel Workplace Toolkit with lots of useful resources and ideas.

 Free cycling to work guide

We have free copies of 'cycling to work-a beginners guide' full of helpful tips and hints on starting cycling to work.

For your free copy please email cycle.forum@southglos.gov.uk