On Your Bike

To promote and encourage healthier journeys to work and to help minimise environmental pollution, the UK Government introduced tax benefits allowing employers of all sizes across the public, private and voluntary sectors to implement ‘Cycle to Work’ schemes.

The Cycle to Work Alliance is a policy coalition of four of the leading providers of the cycle to work scheme, including Cyclescheme, Cycle Solutions, Evans Cycles and Halfords and works alongside the Government to bolster its commitment to encouraging commuter cycling.

The CWA has welcomed recent research by Glasgow University, showing that cycling to work as an alternative transport method can have a significant effect on cutting the risk of heart disease and cancer.

But the benefits don’t just stop there, there’s more:-

Health benefits

Apart from the aforementioned, riding your bike more can help with weight loss, relieve stresses, increases fitness levels and encourages physical activity to be an integral part of employees lifestyles.

Environmental impact

Cycle to work schemes is a great way to achieve a shift in peoples behaviour towards sustainable travel and has a positive impact in reducing carbon footprints.

Reduces parking and congestion

With workplace parking levies becoming more and more popular, having less cars to park will not only help reduce costs to employers, but will also help reduce traffic congestion.

Cycling Becomes Affordable

Bikes are not cheap, so introducing a cycling to work scheme makes owning a bike affordable to those on lower and moderate incomes. In fact, employees can make a saving of up to 42% on a new bike.

Increases employee engagement

Implementing a cycle to work scheme is a great tool for improving employee engagement, productivity and satisfaction levels.

Exemptions

As an employer, lending or hiring bikes to employees doesn’t count as an expense or benefit, meaning you don’t have to report them to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and you don’t deduct or pay tax and National Insurance on them.

It’s clear that running a ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme is beneficial to both employer and employee. If you need any help in setting one up in your workplace, then why not visit the Cycle to Work Alliance’s website.

We at The Survey Initiative have over 20 years experience in employee research. If you would like any information or help with any aspect of employee research, and ways to boost engagement and productivity levels, then why not give us a call on +44 (0)1255 870735 or contact us via our website, we’re waiting to hear from you.