Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint, get fitter and leave the car at home? If so, why not try cycling to work?
Although many employees are aware of the Council’s Cycle to Work Scheme – a government initiative run through employee benefits, which offers the most cost-effective way to get new cycling equipment – did you know that you can purchase e-bikes via the scheme as a mode of transport too?
How does the scheme work?
The scheme is open to all employees who have a permanent or temporary contract for 12 months or longer. You will pay for the cost of your new bike/accessories via a Salary Sacrifice Arrangement under an agreement between yourself and North Ayrshire Council.
A Salary Sacrifice is where you give up part of salary for an agreed period in exchange for a non-cash benefit, in the case the loan of a new bike and accessories. The duration of the hire agreement is 12 months.
We know the weather isn’t always forgiving so you don’t have to cycle to work everyday. However, cycling to work one day a week would be a great start to get you into a routine, and furthermore the bike can also be used for non-work purposes, meaning a lot more exercise and fun at the weekends.
After 12 months there is the option to extend the use of equipment for a further five years with provider Cycle Solutions if you meet the criteria.
You can find out more by visiting the SharePoint page on Connects where you will find further information and Frequently Asked Questions or email cycletoworkrequests@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Did you know? The Council’s Travel Smart team can provide a cycle buddy service if you don’t feel confident just yet or are unsure of cycle routes, and offer Personal Travel Plans to plan your route for you. For further information email travelsmart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Cunninghame House also have Active Travel Facilities consisting of cycle shelters, showers and drying rooms.
The Cycle to Work Scheme is a government initiative run through employee benefits, which offers the most cost-effective way to get new cycling equipment.
Benefits include:
- saving up to 49% on the retail cost of a new bike & accessories
- paying nothing upfront with subsequent payments taken by instalments, directly from your salary
- zero tax or National Insurance paid on your new bike
- e-Bikes can be purchased through the scheme
- no end of scheme fee
- feeling fitter, productive and more energised
Find out more about about the Cycle to Work Scheme on Connects.
For other cycle training opportunities available via The Trinity – Your active travel hub for North Ayrshire, please contact: thetrinity@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Watch the video case study (at the end of this article) highlighted as best practice by COSLA, featuring our colleague Elissa Faddes who has benefitted from loaning an e-bike and why she recommends to others…
Be inspired to start your Active Travel journey…
From everyday bikes to fold-up, mountain and e-bikes, the Cycle to Work scheme offers something for everyone’s own unique requirements.
David Reid, Workplace Engagement Officer from the Active Travel team shares: “Proving popular due to their suitability for multiple ages and abilities, e-bikes also known as electric bikes have been a big hit over the past year for those who have signed up to the Cycle to Work scheme.
“Over 130 staff have borrowed e-bikes since they have been made available for loan, and on the back of the e-bike loans, a number of staff have then gone on to purchase their own e-bikes after their experience.”
The perfect alternative to driving and low impact on you knees and thighs, the Active Travel team recently supported colleague John from The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT).
David continues: “John shared some brilliant feedback that we are proud to share at the end of this article in order to hopefully encourage others to take the leap too.
“With 2025 just around the corner, why not make the New Year your time to shake up your commute to work by signing up to the Cycle to Work Scheme and make an impact not only on the environment but on your health, fitness and wellbeing too?”
Positive feedback…
John from TACT shares why switching from his car to an e-bike via the Travel Smart Project was a great move for him…
Q: Tell us about your fitness level beforehand…
A: “I had recently joined the gym to prioritise getting healthier and improving my overall fitness. I was just about managing to run 3k at the gym on the treadmill. I had bikes when I was younger, and since moving to Ayrshire from Glasgow six years ago, had intended to get a bike to explore the seaside towns in North Ayrshire, but just hadn’t got round to it.”
Q: Where are you health and fitness wise now?
A: “My overall physical exercise has drastically increased, and I have seen a huge difference to my overall physical health and fitness.
“Since using the e-bike, I am now running over 5k every day on the treadmill. I now go to the gym before work in the morning. I feel the e-bike has helped me progress my fitness and I feel a lot healthier.
“At the weekends I love just going for a cycle along the coast. I have made the most of the great cycle paths we have here in North Ayrshire and I have cycled from my home in Ardrossan to Irvine Harbour and back quite a few times. I have also cycled to Portencross and back several times too…
“The knock-on effect of using the e-bike every day is that is has helped me push myself harder at the gym. I am grateful to David and his team at Active Travel for giving me the opportunity to use the bike. It has been a brilliant experience.”
Q: Now that you can use the e-bike, are you using your car less?
A: “Most definitely. Previously, I would drive to work and drive around for my meetings across North Ayrshire. However, since having the e-bike, I have barely used my car. Actually, I can count on two hands how many times I’ve used the car in the last 6 months.
“I cycle to and from work every day. I also, when reasonable, cycle to and from the vast majority of my meetings. The only exception to this is when I am having to travel a little further afield…
“I cycle to all of my meetings from my work in Saltcoats across the Three Towns and Kilwinning. I have taken the train with the e-bike to places like West Kilbride and Glengarnock and cycled the remainder of my journey. I absolutely love it. It has made a huge difference to my life. My default mode of transport is now the e-bike. I cycle to and from church at the weekends and to and from the gym.”
Q: Have you enjoyed the experience of loaning an e-bike via the Travel Smart project?
A: “It has been amazing. I have loved every second of having the bike. I am a lot fitter and healthier. I have lost some weight. I rarely use the car. I have also bought waterproof jacket, trousers, boots and bag for when it is raining.
“Regardless of the weather, I will still cycle to and from work and to and from my meetings. I use the pannier (cycle) bag to store my shoes/boots and change once I arrive to my destination. I think the Active Travel e-bike loan scheme is a brilliant idea and I have benefitted greatly from it. I would definitely recommend!”
Do you want to sign up? Visit Staff Benefits – NAC Staff News to log in to Employee Perks and sign up for the Cycle to Work scheme.