Pedal power for a green, healthy life

Nov 6 2007 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

AS A company committed to the well-being of its employees as well as the environment and the local community, business software company Sage has recently introduced a Cycle to Work Scheme in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Cyclescheme.

Sage’s scheme allows employees to purchase cycles and accessories with savings of up to 50% off high street prices. Employees pay through a salary deduction, resulting in reduced tax and National Insurance payments. This makes cycling even cheaper.

The scheme works by allowing employees to select a bike and accessories of their choice, up to a value of £1,000, and these are then purchased by the company. Employees sign a 12-month lease agreement and Sage takes the money from their payroll. At the end of the 12 months, employees can make a final payment to own the bike and accessories outright.

Simon Walder, Web Project Manager at Sage (UK) Limited said: “I enjoy cycling on a weekend, so when I heard about the new scheme I thought it was a great idea. As well as saving money on the bike, it’s a great way of keeping fit. It doesn’t take me that much longer to get to work. I avoid all of the traffic jams and get some fresh air in the process!”

Leigh Thompson, corporate and social responsibility administrator at Sage (UK) Limited commented: “Cycling is a great way of getting fit as well as reducing everyone’s impact on the climate. We’re delighted with the launch of the Cycle to Work scheme and the feedback we’ve had from our people.”

WHY CYCLE TO WORK?

Reduce travel costs – If you spend as little as £1.30 per day on fares or petrol, changing to cycling could save over £200 a year. Bikes don’t need any road tax, MoT, insurance, licensing, breakdown recovery services, or any fuel.

It’s good for you – Cyclists can improve their general fitness levels through exercise by arriving at work with a clear head, toning up, losing weight and improving their heart rate.

It can be fun –Why not get together with a colleague and cycle to work together?

Save time – During rush-hour, a bicycle is about twice as fast as a car – good news if you don’t like traffic jams! You can often arrive before those making the same journey in a car.

Save money – If your employer gets involved with the Cycle to Work scheme and you buy your bike directly through a salary deduction, you will make tax and National Insurance savings, which means it’s cheaper than buying directly from the shop.

Help the environment – Bicycles produce absolutely no pollution and they’re a lot quieter too!

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES

Increased productivity.

Improved employee health and fitness.

Reduced stress.

Improved retention rates.

Fewer sick days.

Tips for encouraging employees to cycle to work.

Provide safe, secure and covered cycle parking.

Provide lockers, changing/drying facilities and showers.

Publicise to staff the facilities that are available.

Provide maps of local cycle routes.