Cycling is an active form of travel that offers health benefits and flexibility of timing on the journey to work. Generally distances of up to 6 miles are considered ideal, depending on circumstances. It can also be a real option for business travel. Depending on the nature of your organisation, some customers and visitors may wish to arrive by bicycle.
The potential for cycling, as part of your travel plan, will be influenced by factors such as the location of your site and cycle routes, staff travel patterns, and the availability of on-site cycle storage and showers. Many employers know of at least one regular cyclist on the staff, who may be keen to get involved and we can refer you to local authority Cycle Officers or cycle groups. We will help you assess the role of cycling within your travel plan.
The cycling option often raises a number of opinions and queries. To find out more, the Sustrans website is an excellent source, with free downloadable information sheets and links to other sites: www.sustrans.org
Promotional activity is very important in raising awareness and enthusiasm in cycling as a travel option. Many employers participate in Bike2Work week and benefit from free organisers’ liability insurance and free support materials for registered events. Further information from: http://www.bikeweek.org.uk
Tax benefits
Plus, there is government support for employer cycle initiatives. Where bicycles are used for business travel, HM Revenue and Customs allow employers to make a tax free mileage payment. There is also a useful tax exemption scheme that supports employer cycle purchase/loan schemes which can benefit both employer and employees. A useful introductory leaflets is available on Cycling England's website (Library section - promotion section).
Some employers make their own arrangements, but there are a number of service providers as well. For example see further information on the web sites of : Boost, Cyclescheme, Evans Ride2Work, Halfords Business Services, or Wheelies Direct Cyclesolutions.
Take the active route for a better commute campaign
We have developed a campaign to promote cycling to work, for more information read our news story.
