Many of us would happily ditch our travelcard and start cycling to work tomorrow if only we had a bike! But now, thanks to a little-known but very handy new scheme, it's never been easier (or cheaper) to get going on two wheels.
Cyclescheme is a new project that works with a network of independent bike shops to supply the nation with quality tax free bikes and equipment for work. The hardest part is convincing your employer that cycling to work is a good idea, but once you're over that hurdle, the scheme could halve the cost of a bike for you.
So how can you get your hands on a bike through Cyclescheme? As long as you're a UK taxpayer and making PAYE contributions, you're eligible. The full details on how to do this are here, but it's really very simple: the cost of the (tax free) bike comes out of your salary, and works out up to 50% cheaper than just walking into a shop and buying one. And you're not limited in the type of bike you choose either - if your boss is happy for you to roll in on a miniature BMX, it's entirely up to you!
My husband has been trying to get a new bike through his work via cyclescheme, but they have told him there's not enough interest for them to bother signing up to the scheme! I think this is shocking, especially considering he is a civil servant who essentially works for the government!
Hi Elisa
Hmm, that's pretty bad, isn't it...have you tried getting involved with the scheme to see if they can help?
Hi Elisa
That really is a bad attitude! Some organisations worry that there's a lot of organising and effort involved. By using a third party (one I know of is www.tredz.co.uk), most of the paperwork is taken care off and they help the organisation with the process to reduce it to a minimum of effort. Worth a chat!
Anyway, how does his work know how much interest there is? Perhaps your husband could suprise them by providing a list of names?