Countering the Challenges for Encouraging Bike to Work

The legislation of the Finance Bill 2009 called for the introduction of a tax incentive that was directed towards prompting more and more employees to cycle to work and back. The proposal called for a tax exemption upon the purchase of a bike or bicycle equipment in case the employee bought it as part of the scheme provided by the employer and by virtue of which the employee uses the bike to get to work.

Commuting to your workplace on a bike is far easier than it is perceived. Pedal power can always be increased by encouraging more and more people to take the course. There are a good many reasons that people cite that prevents them from cycling to work. The truth is that most of these issues can be solved with a little bit of help from the employer’s side.

The push towards encouraging more and more people to opt for this scheme is prompted by an environmental as well as a business case. In a study conducted recently, it has been observed that increasing cycling in general by 20% by the year 2015 would help employers save as much as £87 million by a reduction in absences. Also cycling to work also reduces the rate of mortality by 39%.

The chief reason cited by many is that there is not enough secure space for parking a bicycle. But developing a bike park in one corner is not too difficult as it will take up much less space than a car park. It has been estimated that a car park space for one car costs £2000. On the contrary the same amount of money can be used to create a parking space meant for 20 bikes. Sheffield stands come across as a good option. They are inexpensive, easy to use, secure and sturdy enough. If your employer is exploring other options, it is necessary to make sure that there are proper means by which both the frame and the wheels can be locked.

There are people who do not take to the idea of cycling to work as they do not have a bike or they cannot afford to have one. The cycle scheme has made it easier to obtain a bike at a much cheaper price. This is obviously dependant on the employer and the tax band. You may even end up saving 40 to 50% of the complete retail price. The employer purchases the bike and then gives it to the employee on a loan. Following the conclusion of the loan period, the employer sells off the bike to the employee at a ‘fair market value’.

Non-cyclists cite reasons pertaining to their inability to cycle on the roads. All that is needed to overcome this problem is a couple of hours training with a professional instructor. This increases the road awareness of the individual and also minimises his/her safety concerns.

There are several companies that handle the details of this scheme in place of the employer, therefore relieving the HR and the finance department of the additional responsibilities.