The Government introduced the Cycle to Work scheme back in 1999 to encourage more people to be active. The aim was for people to become healthier and save money on travel. Apparently, illness from lack of activity costs the NHS up to £1 billion a year. Individuals are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes or suffer a stroke if they don’t exercise. Therefore being more active means considerable savings can be made for the country. So naturally there was benefits for the government to encourage the use of the scheme too.

What Other Advantages Are There?

The Cycle to Work scheme has lots of environmental benefits too. You are helping lower CO2 emissions which is better for the planet. It’s all part of living a more sustainable lifestyle. We all need to think about the part we play in that for the future of our children.

Petrol and diesel are very expensive. Especially with the cost of living increasing dramatically its harder to afford. So being able to cycle to work can help you manage your finances more effectively. I actually gave up my job in a lettings agent as the cost of fuel was so prohibitive and went back to blogging full time again. But perhaps more people (myself included) should look at cycling first and see if that would solve the ongoing costs of travel.

How Much Can I Save?

Planet X shared a useful Cyclescheme calculator so you can see just how much you can save in the cycle to work scheme. Apparently, the scheme can save you 26% to 40% of the cost of a bike and accessories. Ask your HR department for a voucher which you can then spend at places such as Planet X.

How Popular Is The Scheme?

Over 40,000 companies are involved in the in the Cycle to Work scheme. This just goes to show how popular it is. As cycling is a low impact exercise it is easy for more people to get involved and start reaping the health benefits. The percentage of people cycling to work is higher in Greater London than other areas. Cycling into London is a good choice when you can avoid the expensive congestion charge and extortionate parking fees.

What Does It Involve?

The Cycle to Work scheme means you can buy a tax free bike and accessories. Then you just pay for it over the course of a year. This is a great way to manage your money as you don’t need to find the upfront cost to purchase everything to get started.  Speak to your HR department if you want to know if your company is already involved. Some companies have opted for a pool cycle model where they have bikes available onsite for local business trips and off site visits.

What Accessories Are Included?

The accessories that can be covered in the Cycle to Work scheme include the cycle helmet, cycle lights, locks to secure the bike, repair kits and reflective clothing. Also any adaptations for disabilities which makes it a very fair and inclusive scheme.

If you are already involved in a Cycle to Work scheme you can use the hashtag #UKCyclingToWork to let everyone know the benefits. Hopefully you will get more individuals to take advantage of the scheme and start to make savings and improve their health by cycling.