Cycle to Work Scheme launched

8.56.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Jun 2007

Richmond Council has further underlined its green credentials by encouraging its staff to get to work using pedal power!

The Cycle to Work Scheme promotes the Council's vision for a healthier, safer, more accessible and less congested borough, and goes live next week (July 2). Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said:

"Cycling is one of the most environmentally-friendly, and healthy, modes of travel. And we are determined to make it even more attractive as part of our effort to promote sustainable transport. The scheme is an excellent opportunity and incentive for staff to cycle, rather than drive, to work. And I hope as many people as possible take advantage of it. I also hope other employers consider following our example."

The scheme, run in partnership with Cyclescheme Ltd, allows staff to obtain any make or model of bike and safety equipment from their local shop under a 12 month hire agreement. The Council will settle the amount with the shop, through Cyclescheme, and the employee will repay, through "salary sacrifice" in 12 monthly instalments - saving up to 50 per cent on costs by not paying VAT, National Insurance or Income Tax on that amount. At the end of the hire period, the employee will be able to buy the bike under a separate agreement, at a Fair Market Value of 5 per cent of the original purchase price. The administrative costs of running the scheme are offset by savings in the employer's National Insurance contributions, thus making the scheme cost neutral.