Support Cycling
If you are an employer who would like to promote cycling as a healthy way to travel to work the Department for Transport Cycle to Work Scheme can guide you to getting your hands on no-hassle tax-free bikes for your employees. Most importantly, you will also be able to promote this scheme as an excellent flexible staff benefit.
Employees are able to fill out a voucher online for human resources to check and approve. Expert advice for selection, servicing, warranty or insurance replacements from independent bike shops is available online.
For more information visit the Department for Transport Cycle to Work Scheme.
How can I support Cycling?
The most important measure for supporting cycling is the provision of secure cycle parking. Cycle Stands are cheap to install, or if you have space staff could be allowed to store cycles securely within the building. You may also be entitled to a grant from Gateshead Council to assist with the costs of installing secure cycle parking.
Providing shower and changing facilities will also encourage cyclists, as does providing somewhere to store equipment. All these measures can be achieved for very little expenditure.
Gateshead Council provides CycleGrants for improving cycling facilities, such as parking and showers.
Gateshead Council Cycle Grant Leaflet
Gateshead Council Cycle Grant Application Form
For more information contact Lorna Bell, Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Gateshead.
Visit Gateshead Council's Cycling in Gateshead.
You could also organise cycling events for your staff. Contact Cycletrex or Sustrans for more information.
How can I promote Cycling?
National Bike Week, which takes place in June each year, is a great opportunity to engage staff and encourage them to cycle to work. You could consider having an event for your business, or work with other companies to support larger events. For events which employees and their families can join in Gateshead visit Cycle North East.
You might also consider introducing a specific mileage rate for employees who cycle to meetings rather than using their car. Mileage rates for cycling are usually around 20p per mile. See the HMRC website for more information.
Why not visit our new discussion forum "Get Involved" where cyclists can share their views with us and let us know how we can work together to improve the local environment to better support established and novice cyclists.