Spring/Summer 2011
Government report backs Cycle to Work scheme
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recent report from the Treasury’s Office of Tax Simplification has recommended keeping Cycle to Work schemes as a means of providing a nontaxable benefit. Generally, where a benefit is provided by an employer to an employee, that benefit is taxable, but a Cycle to Work scheme is an exception. The Review of Tax Reliefs published in March said that the reasons this form of tax relief was introduced – as part of government policies
on sustainable transport and fitness – remained valid. The report said, “There is little administration on behalf of the employers and the employees and the scheme is well used. We recommend that this relief be retained.” Indeed, the report went even further in backing cycling to work. “In view of the advent of the bike hire scheme introduced recently in London, it would be logical to extend the relief to cover support given by employers to employees who use those cycles.”
Cyclescheme bosses visit the PM
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he founders of Cyclescheme, Richard Grigsby and Gary Cooper, recently paid a visit to Number 10 Downing Street to talk to Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. Richard and Gary were there with an entrepreneur’s group to discuss establishing and growing businesses. “The meeting ran over by 20 minutes which we felt was a good indication that the PM was enjoying himself and that it was useful,” said Richard. “I talked to him about the Cycle to Work scheme and also told him that he needed a new bike… and he agreed!”
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New lights recharge straight from your PC Knog’s bright Boomer LED lights are now available in a USB-rechargeable version. You just take the silicone cover off and plug the light straight into a USB port; there’s no cable or mount to worry about. It’ll recharge from flat in 2-4hrs. Fitting the lights is quick and tool-free; you just wrap the stretchy silicone strap around your seat post or whatever else is handy. They’re waterproof too, and available in a variety of different colours. The Knog Boomer USBs cost £34.99 (front) and £32.49 (rear). Go to www.todayscyclist.co.uk for more details.
Rescue cover for you and your bike What would you do if your bike was damaged beyond repair on your journey from work? How would you get home? Cycleguard, Cyclescheme’s insurance partner, offer Cycle Rescue to get you out of a fix. Cycle Rescue is available 24 hours a day if your bike is damaged in an accident, vandalised or breaks down. You call the recovery control centre and Cycle Rescue will get you to a safe place anywhere in the UK. That might be to a cycle repair shop, railway station, car rental agency or, if it’s nearer, your home. If you happen to be really unlucky, the cover is for up to three rescues per year, subject to maximum claims costs of up to £1,500. A year’s Cycle Rescue costs £12 if you take up the offer before 30 September (for new customers, first year premium only). For more details, and to get 10% off Cycleguard insurance for theft and accidental damage, go to www.cycleguardrescue.co.uk/cs