The enormous benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme

by Fernando Presa | Sep 15, 2023 | Cycle to Work, Ride2Work

The enormous benefits of the
Cycle to Work Scheme

The number of people choosing to bike to work instead of driving is on the rise. This is due in part to people realising the effects of the climate, health and financial crises. As commuting by bike increases in popularity, employers need to embrace and support this transport revolution.

The Cycle to Work Scheme is a sustainable and self-funding employee benefit using salary sacrifice to access tax savings. The legislation around the scheme can be tricky to navigate which is why you should engage with a specialist provider such as Green Commute Initiative (GCI). With GCI, the scheme is quick and easy to use.

Here’s just some of the reasons you should be offering the scheme to your employees.

Access to significant savings of 32 – 47% on a new bike and accessories
Active travel improves physical and mental health
Helps organisations achieve sustainability targets (net zero)
Self-funding as employer saves 13.8% NIC
Increases employee performance
Improves staff retention
Reduces workplace absenteeism
Builds morale
Gains respect from your local community

As we battle the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency, it’s never been a better time to give your employees access to the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Use the experts!

There are numerous reasons why both public sector and private organisations are turning to GCI to provide this key staff benefit:

No £1,000 spend limit – get any type of bike you need including ebikes and cargo bikes.
No ownership fees – completely unnecessary! GCI helps you make maximum savings.
Flexible salary sacrifice terms from 3 to 60 months. Weekly deductions can be accommodated. Having manageable monthly payments is the key to success!
Scheme is free to use for both the employer and employee.
Just 5% commission charged to bike shops and GCI pays them quickly which is vital for small businesses.
Applications are processed either same day/next day.
GCI is a not-for-profit social enterprise – the only provider with this status.

No spend limit is crucial

There is no scheme limit with GCI which gives employers the flexibility they need to customise their scheme. Employers can choose a limit they are comfortable with, or they can leave it open to really give employees the opportunity to get a bike that suits their needs. This leads the way to ebikes and cargo bikes which are leading the micro-mobility revolution. Research shows that at least 12% of those intending to buy a bike soon will first look at ebikes so the key to having a successful scheme is to have a spend limit which can accommodate this.

A solution for everyone

Everyone Cycle is a scheme for employees who are unable to take part in a salary sacrifice scheme whether due to their salary level or employment status. Using Everyone Cycle alongside the main Cycle to Work Scheme means you have active travel solutions available to all staff members.

Active travel solutions for company travel

GCI’s Green Bike Pool is available to organisations who wish to have an ebike pool for staff to use for work-related journeys. Perfect for community-based appointments, supplier visits, or cross-campus meetings. It’s a full turn-key product with servicing and insurance included.

Public sector experience

GCI currently works (off-framework) with numerous NHS Trusts, blue light services, councils, educational establishments and central government agencies. GCI is a supplier on the Crown Commercial Services Employee Benefits and Services framework.

Top level customer service

GCI is an award-winning scheme provider and prides itself on excellent customer service which is reinforced through its ISO-9001 and ISO-27001 certifications. And it goes without saying that GCI’s scheme is HMRC and FCA compliant. Check out our industry-leading Trustpilot reviews.

With Solarcycle’s affordable workplace charging solution for ebike batteries and GCI’s straight-forward Cycle to Work scheme, it makes sense to talk now.

Get in touch today with the team at GCI for an informal chat about how to integrate the Cycle to Work Scheme into your employee rewards packages.

020 3740 1836 / theteam@greencommuteinitiative.uk

Discover how staff at Ashford and St Peter’s are transforming the daily commute for NHS Staff ➔

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How Riding an E-Bike Can Boost Employee Wellness and Productivity

by Fernando Presa | Mar 22, 2023 | Wellbeing

HOW: Riding an E-Bike Can Boost Employee Wellness and Productivity

Riding an e-bike is a fun and convenient way to get around, but did you know that it also has numerous health benefits for employees?

In addition to reducing the carbon footprint and saving money on transportation costs, e-biking has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. Recent studies highlight the benefits of e-bike use as one specific way to change commuter habits and in turn to improve health and well-being among urban and regional populations. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of riding an e-bike for employees.

Physical Health Benefits
Travel is an essential part of everyday life for most people, and the adoption of active travel represents an efficient way to increase daily physical activity. Due to a growing body of evidence, the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now endorse active travel, with a particular focus on commuting, as a feasible method to incorporate physical activity into daily life to improve public health.

One of the most obvious benefits of riding an e-bike is the physical exercise it provides. To stay healthy, the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines state that adults should try to be active every day. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this is to commute by e-bike.

Due to a growing body of evidence, the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now endorse active travel, with a particular focus on commuting, as a feasible method to incorporate physical activity into daily life to improve public health.

While e-bikes provide assistance with pedalling, they still require the rider to exert effort and pedal. This can help employees stay active and increase their daily physical activity levels, which has numerous benefits for overall health. Studies have shown that regular exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.

Furthermore, riding an e-bike can be easier on the joints and muscles compared to traditional biking, as the motor assistance can help reduce strain and fatigue. This makes e-bikes a great option for those who may have physical limitations or injuries that make traditional biking difficult. It can also help with weight management and improve overall fitness.

the average UK worker takes 4.5 sick days a year; the average cyclist just 2.4 sick days a year.

Mental Health Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits, riding an e-bike can also have positive effects on mental health. One study examining the health benefits of electrically assisted cycling found that participants who regularly rode e-bikes reported decreased stress levels and increased feelings of well-being. The theme ‘mental well-being’ emerged from the participants’ descriptions concerning the positive effect of riding an e-bike. This is likely due to the combination of exercise, fresh air, and the feeling of freedom and control that comes with riding a bike. Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals that make us feel good.

Commuting can be stressful, but riding an e-bike can provide a more enjoyable and less stressful alternative to driving or taking public transport. Being outdoors and getting fresh air can also have positive effects on mental health. Moreover, e-biking can be a great way to incorporate mindfulness into a daily routine. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to the surrounding environment. When riding an e-bike, employees can focus on the experience of biking, taking in the scenery and enjoying the ride, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Productivity Benefits
Studies have shown that regular exercise can boost cognitive function and improve focus and concentration. Riding an e-bike for carbonless commuting can help employees stay fit, reduce stress levels, and improve mental clarity. In turn, these benefits can help employees be more productive at work by increasing energy levels, improving focus, and reducing sick days. According to research by Sustrans, the average UK worker takes 4.5 sick days a year; the average cyclist just 2.4.

Additionally, riding an e-bike can help employees save time and avoid traffic, making them more punctual and reducing stress associated with being late. This can also improve work productivity, as employees who are less stressed and more punctual are generally more productive. With an e-bike, employees can save on fuel costs, parking fees, and public transportation fees. This can free up extra funds that employees can use to invest in their career or personal growth.

Riding an e-bike to work can provide a range of health and productivity benefits for employees. From timesaving to improved physical and mental health, e-bikes offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to commute that can help employees be more productive, efficient, and focused in the workplace. As such, employers may want to consider offering e-bike incentives and amenities, such as free-to-use solar e-bike charging, to help their staff make the most of this clean and carbonless commuting option.

Discover how staff at Ashford and St Peter’s are transforming the daily commute for NHS Staff ➔

E-Bikes: As an Affordable Solution to the Cost of Living Crisis

by Fernando Presa | Feb 19, 2023 | cost of living

E-Bikes: As an Affordable Solution to the Cost of Living Crisis

As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are searching for ways to cut expenses and save money.

A recent survey published by Mintel confirmed that 55% of respondents pointed to petrol/diesel costs, alongside steady increases in public transport bills as a reason to consider the switch to e-mobility.

E-bikes offer significant savings on commuting and transport costs as an alternative to running a car. With the ability to travel further distances than a traditional bicycle, without the need for car maintenance, e-bikes offer an obvious solution to the cost of living crisis. E-bikes are not only helping people save money and live more sustainable lives, but they also have the potential to significantly reshape the transportation landscape.

Here are the key benefits of e-bikes to consider for the cost-conscious consumer:

Lower operating costs compared to a car with reduced spending on fuel, maintenance, parking costs, insurance, and repairs.
Easier and more affordable transportation for commuting, running errands, and other everyday activities.
Improved access to job opportunities: e-bikes can provide people with a reliable and affordable means of transportation, which can improve access to job opportunities, especially for those living in urban areas with high transportation costs.
Better health: Regular cycling can help to improve health and reduce healthcare costs, providing a long-term cost benefit to individuals and society as a whole.
Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: by using renewable energy sources, such as batteries and solar e-bike charging stations, e-bikes can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

At Solarcycle, we urge consumers, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders to consider the benefits of e-bikes and to embrace them as a viable option for a more affordable and sustainable future.

As more people recognise the benefits of e-bikes, the adoption of this mode of transportation is likely to increase, making it an important part of the solution to the cost of living crisis. At Solarcycle, we urge consumers, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders to consider the benefits of e-bikes and to embrace them as a viable option for a more affordable and sustainable future.

For consumers, we encourage you to think about the potential savings that e-bikes can offer over cars and public transport, and to give them a try as a way to get around. For policymakers, we ask that you prioritise policies that support e-bikes, including dedicated bike lanes and tax incentives for e-bike purchases. Employers can play a crucial role by providing free-to-use e-bike charging facilities and infrastructure for their employees. By doing so, they not only encourage sustainable transportation options but also promote a healthier lifestyle for their staff. Finally, for other stakeholders, such as urban planners and developers, we encourage you to consider the important role that e-bikes can play in creating more sustainable and liveable communities.

Together, we can work towards a future where e-bikes are a mainstream mode of transportation, helping to reduce our reliance on cars, improve our quality of life, and create a more sustainable, healthier, and equitable future for all.

The enormous benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme

The enormous benefits of the
Cycle to Work Scheme