New Cycle to Work scheme launched
It’s time to saddle up as we announce the launch of a bespoke new Cycle to Work scheme!
Our new and improved Cycle to Work scheme is now open
There’s never been a better time to consider changing gear to a green commute after we teamed up with the Cyclescheme organisation, increasing the upper funding limit from £1,000 to £3,000 to enable colleagues to source a wider range of electric and accessible/adapted bikes.
The refreshed scheme is part of a package of measures to help staff and students make active travel choices that support health, wellbeing and social distancing measures.
And the announcement also coincides with our support of the annual Clean Air Day initiative, which this year is being held on Thursday 8 October. Led by Global Action Plan, the national campaign brings together communities, organisations, schools and the health sector to:
- improve public understanding of air pollution
- build awareness of how it affects our health; and
- explain the easy actions we can all take to tackle the issue, including adopting greener commutes such as cycling, thereby helping protect the environment and our health.
Dr Louise Ellis, Director of Sustainability Services, said: “The refreshed staff Cycle to Work scheme is a really positive enhancement to the existing University sustainable travel package.
“I am particularly excited about the potential for adaptable and electric bikes that the increased upper limit of the scheme creates, which will enable more people to give cycling a go. The new scheme supports our sustainability commitments, including the seven climate principles, helping to reduce emissions and congestion, improve air quality and encourage improved health and wellbeing across the University community.”
Cyclescheme affords ultimate choice when selecting your new bike
How it works
Cyclescheme is a staff benefit, making cycling to work more accessible and affordable. It allows you to swap part of your annual salary to obtain a bike plus any cycle accessories you require. You can request a cycle package of any value between £100 and £3,000, make a tax saving of 36-42% and spread the cost across 12 monthly payments deducted directly from payroll.
You can opt to choose a bike only – great if you already have accessories like a lock, lights and a helmet – or a bike plus accessories, which is ideal for new cycle commuters or those needing to upgrade their gear.
Ultimate choice
Cyclescheme affords ultimate choice when selecting your new bike and/or accessories. There are no restrictions on the type of bike you can get – it simply needs to enable you to ride to work in a safe and comfortable manner. Popular choices include e-bikes, hybrid, road, mountain, cargo, adapted/inclusive and folding bikes.
You can shop Cyclescheme online or in-store in more than 2,000 retailers across the UK. This includes independent stores, big name retailers and online-only outlets. Visit the Cyclescheme website for the full list.
If you can’t find your preferred commuting bike, Cyclescheme will source it for you. The ‘any bike’ guarantee applies to all ‘in stock’ bikes sold in the UK.
How to apply
The new scheme is open now – apply directly via the Cyclescheme website.
Cycle hire and maintenance services are available once again from the Bike Hub
Supporting cyclists
Demonstrating our continued support of cycling, we’re delighted to announce the Bike Hub is now open on campus, offering hire and maintenance services. Things will be a little different and it will be operating on a ‘pre-booked appointment-only’ basis in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
In response to high demand, the Bike Hub is extending its slots for cycle maintenance by an extra day to both Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (12 noon to 4pm), starting on Clean Air Day (Thursday 8 October). Visit the Bike Hub webpage for further information and to book an appointment.
If you would like to try before you buy, why not hire first from the Bike Hub? Bike Hire appointments are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons (12 noon to 4pm). Visit the Bike Hire webpage for further information about the options available, which include hybrid, folding and electric bikes.
Further information
- Read the FAQs on our staff benefits website
- Full Cyclescheme FAQs are available on its website
Contacts
If you have any further questions, contact Cyclescheme via email or by calling 0344 879 5101 (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm).
Contact the staff benefits team or visit the webpage for enquiries and latest updates relating to Cyclescheme at Leeds.
Other useful links
Please see our Commuting to Campus and Active Travel webpages for wider commuting travel advice.
Contact Sustainability Services if you require further travel planning support.
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