Cycle 2 Work scheme is back – this time, on a permanent basis!

To celebrate Wales Climate Week, the Cycle 2 Work Scheme will now be open all year round.

Council Officer with Cycle 2 Work bike This week is Wales Climate Week, which aims to bring people together from across Wales to learn and explore innovative solutions for tackling and adapting to climate change.’

The Council is signed up to Level two of the Healthy Staff Travel Charter, a commitment to support healthy and sustainable travel for our employees. After being audited by We Are Cycling, we also attained a Silver Cycle Friendly Employer status at the Docks and Civic Offices, with the report praising the shower facilities and bike storage at both venues.

One innovative solution is the Cycle 2 Work Scheme which, as of today, is now open to staff on a permanent basis.

What is Cycle2Work and how does it work?

The scheme, run in partnership with Cycle Solutions, allows staff to purchase any bike through a monthly salary sacrifice. This means that you agree to give up part of your salary in exchange for a bike and/or accessories.

The scheme enables you to spread out the cost of a new bike, interest-free and with zero up-front costs.

Payments are taken from your gross salary (before tax) which also means that you will pay less Income Tax and National insurance.

On average, this salary sacrifice scheme has saved individual staff members on average £500 each on the cost of a bike!

Cycle Solutions offer a wide range of bikes and accessories, including e-bikes, for staff to choose from!

How often do I need to ride my bike to work?

Staff are encouraged to use their bike to travel to, and between, workplaces. This way you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint on your way to work and helping to tackle the climate crisis.

At least 50% of the bike use should be used for work purposes, although you are also free (and encouraged) to use the bike outside of work too!

What are the benefits of signing up to Cycle 2 Work?

Cycle 2 Work offers great financial benefits for both staff and the Council!

On average, the July 2024 scheme saved individual staff members £500 each on the cost of a bike, as well as saving the Council approximately £11,000 in employer National Insurance payments.

Alongside the financial benefits of the scheme, Cycle 2 Work is also a great way to do your bit to help the environment amidst the climate crisis!

Reducing our carbon footprint is something we should all be aiming for, and cycling short journeys is one of the easiest ways staff can do this.

Active Travel to work is also an excellent and simple way to keep fit and healthy!

Watch the video to hear about previous staff experience with Cycle 2 Work:

How do I sign up?

To find out more about the scheme or to sign up, visit the Cycle Solutions website.

You can also check out the Employee Guide and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

To learn more about Wales Climate Week, staff can visit the Welsh Government website.