Cycling to work
There are many benefits to cycling to work and you maye have your personal reasons for wanting to do so.
The hire and loan of a bike could be a short term option, including use of nextbike, Glasgow’s city-wide cycle hire scheme. Buying a bike is also an option and you can benefit from savings when purchasing a bike and accessories if your employer is registered with one of the following Government Cycle to Work Scheme providers:
What is the Cycle to Work Scheme?
The Cycle to Work scheme helps you save money on your purchase of a new work bike, spreading the cost over monthly tax-free instalments taken from the employee’s gross salary through your employer. You pay less tax and National Insurance every month you’re paying off the bike, and you spread the cost of buying a bike into manageable monthly payments. Your employer benefits as they end up paying less employer National Insurance contributions.
How does the Cycle to Work Scheme work?
The basic steps of the Scheme are the same whichever the provider:
- Your workplace registers with a Scheme provider
- You choose the bike you want
- Your employer pays for it
- You pay your employer back through monthly instalments taken through payroll
For most providers payments are made over 12 months and there is a cap of £1,000 you can spend on a bike and accessories. Check with the provider as these do vary.
Is the Cycle to Work Scheme right for me?
Firstly, check if your employer is registered with a Scheme provider; if they aren’t, suggest they register with one. Consider what you want your bike for, the type of bike you require, your budget and do your sums. Our guide to buying a bike will help you with this.
Still not sure? Then read Toby’s story on Sustrans’ website about how buying a bike through the Cycle to Work Scheme changed his life.
Once you have a bike sorted, you can plan your route, prepare equipment and essentials, stay safe and keep your bike secure and if you need to, improve your cycling skills. Cycling Scotland has further tips on how to start cycling to work and commute by bike with confidence. Our guide to diy maintenance will assist you to keep your bike in good repair and roadworthy.
If you are commuting longer distances, you may need to consider a mix of transport options which include your bike. If so, Scotrail’s information on taking bikes on trains and cycling facilities at their stations, plus SPT’s information on walking and cycling will support you to plan your route.
Cycling Scoltand’s Cycle Friendly Employer programme supports organisations to encourage cycling as a healthy, sustainable and accessible way to commute. It provides a development fund with awards up to £25,000 for organisations, plus an award scheme to support organisations to make it easier for their staff to cycle.
