Let’s get proactive this year… proactive about your health and wellbeing. Cycle to work schemes save employees like you money on the cost of using a brand new cycle and equipment. So what might be stopping you from joining your employer’s scheme?
Our guide to getting started is here to help you navigate through the facts and offer friendly starting advice.
- Safety first! Did you know that you can also obtain cycling safety equipment through the scheme too? Yes, that’s right! To encourage safe and responsible cycling, a range of safety equipment is available - from stylish helmets to bright lights - you can ride with peace of mind.
- Check your employer’s facilities, i.e is there ample room to change or even take a shower? Maybe even ask your employer if there are plans to provide such facilities to support their cycle to work scheme.
- Only 50% of the cycle’s use has to be for commuting, so you can use time efficiently to build up your fitness… cycle to work once or twice a week, and use the evenings or weekends to work on your stamina and fitness levels to make sure you don’t feel out of shape when you get to work!
- Plan your proposed route to work and visualise yourself riding it. Lay out your clothes and pack your bags the night before to give you more time in the morning for your ride. Will you need a change of clothes and/or a towel? Plan, plan, plan!
- Affordable electric bikes are available through the scheme, which can flatten your ride and make hills feel less daunting.
- Most schemes will require you to know the exact value of your cycle and accessories, so don’t forget to choose what you would like before applying for your employer’s scheme.
- Our cycle to work scheme provides the option for you to obtain your cycle and equipment from a local independent retailer, meaning you can access the best bike suitable for you.
- You will normally be required to sign a salary sacrifice agreement, committing yourself to the hire of the cycle and equipment for a set number of months. If you have any questions about this, the scheme provider should be able to help you.
- Payments are taken from your gross salary by your payroll department so you don’t need to manage extra payments yourself, whilst avoiding store credit that may have interest rates attached.
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When the commute seems overwhelming, remember the reasons why you’re cycling…
- We all know that exercise makes us feel healthier. A bit more movement in our daily activities after an indulgent take-away often makes us feel like we are counteracting the calories! Cycling to work is a great way to get extra movement into your day, and help you feel healthier.
- Exercise is also known to make us feel more productive. Wake up, get moving and feel the effects throughout the day on your productivity levels.
- Pedal away your stress by channeling your worries and negative energy into your bike ride. Incorporating a stress busting activity as your commute should see a reduction in your stress level.
- Save money on the cost of fuel or transport tickets. Whether you’re looking to save for something in particular or spend less in general, cycling to work can help you achieve this.
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Measure the results! Does your commute take less time, are you less tired from the ride or have you noticed your productivity increase? You can also boost your motivation by:
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Creating a virtual race with a colleague(s) - who can cover the most miles in a week/month?
- Use a fitness tracker to watch your fitness improving.
- Keep a log of how much fuel you are saving.
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For any further scheme specific information, approach your HR department today to see what there is on offer!