Politicians are urged to get ontheir bikes

LONDONDERRY politicians and council officers are being urged to get on their bikes and avail of a new government scheme aimed at encouraging more people to cycle to work at a reduced cost.

The scheme aims to both reduce environmental pollution and promote exercise amongst employees, and even local councillors are being urged to lead by example and use pedal power as an alternative form of energy.

Sustrans Area Manager Ross McGill said: “The scheme is a real incentive for people who would love to get fit and make a difference to the environment, but have always seen cost as the obstacle to taking up cycling,” he explained.

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“Now staff can spread the cost of purchasing a new bicycle and safety equipment, and even save on tax and national insurance in the process.

“I would encourage other businesses to look into providing staff with the option of cycling to work at a reduced cost to both the environment and their pocket.

“Thirty bikes can fit into one car parking space, so there is also an incentive for employers as cycling helps alleviate congestion.”

Employees can hire bicycles and/or safety equipment saving between 30 per cent and 50 per cent on the cost through a special salary sacrifice arrangement, which was first introduced as one of a series of measures under the Government’s Green Transport Plan.

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Bicycles and safety equipment can be loaned to employees for commuting and work-related purposes for an agreed 18-month period as a tax-free benefit, and staff can then use part of their salary to pay hire charges for the equipment through the scheme.

The participants benefit from savings on tax, national insurance, and can order equipment up to the value of £1,000.

The new scheme will come into effect in October. For more information on cycle to work schemes and how employers can set up their own, go to www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/cycling or email Sustrans on [email protected].

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