Get on your bike with tax free cycle scheme
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!
Posted by: elisa_smith | August 13, 2007 7:41 PM