Cycle To Work Explained!
So, you already know that our Try Before You Bike scheme lets you try out a bike hassle-free before deciding to buy. But have you ever wondered what happens when you're ready to buy your bike?
One option is the Cycle to Work Scheme—a great way to save money on your new bike.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics and point you in the right direction for more advice.
What is the Cycle to Work Scheme?
The Cycle to Work scheme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to encourage more people to commute by bike. It promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces environmental impact, and provides employees with an affordable way to purchase a cycle and essential accessories.
Through this program, employees can obtain a bike and necessary gear in a cost-effective manner, while employers benefit from a healthier, more punctual workforce.
How Does the Scheme Work?
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Employer Registration: Employers need to register with a Cycle to Work scheme provider. There are multiple providers to choose from, including Green Commute Initiative, Bike2Work Scheme, Cycle Solutions, Vivup, Enjoy Benefits, My Benefits, Halfords and Cyclescheme. Each provider offers slightly different benefits and processes, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best fit.
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Employee Selection and Application: Once the employer is registered, employees can choose a bike and accessories from a participating retailer. They then apply for a voucher covering the cost, which, upon approval, is issued by the scheme provider.
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Salary Sacrifice Agreement: The employee enters into a salary sacrifice arrangement, agreeing to deduct a portion of their pre-tax salary over a set period (typically 12 months) to cover the cost of the equipment. This arrangement allows employees to save up to 42% on the purchase due to tax efficiencies, depending on their earnings.
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Ownership Options: At the end of the hire period, employees can choose to extend the hire agreement, return the equipment, or take ownership—often for a fair market value or a small additional fee.
Key Benefits of the Cycle to Work Scheme
💰 Big Savings – Save up to 42% on the cost of a bike and accessories through tax relief. 🚲 Better Health – Cycling improves fitness, boosts mental well-being, and reduces stress. 🌍 Eco-Friendly – Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a greener mode of transport. 🏢 Employer Perks – Businesses benefit from healthier employees and can reduce National Insurance contributions.
Recent Updates
The scheme no longer has a £1,000 cap, allowing employees to acquire higher-value bikes, including e-bikes, making it more inclusive and adaptable to various commuting needs.
How Does the Cycle to Work Scheme Work with Try Before You Bike?
You can use the Cycle to Work scheme in two great ways with our Try Before You Bike service:
Option 1: Test Ride on a Subscription
Not sure what bike fits your style? New to cycling? Want more support than your usual bike shop offers? Try our subscription model!
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Choose from a wide range of bikes—from classic pedal bikes to quirky cycles and even cargo bikes for those busy school runs.
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This lets you test out a bike without a long-term commitment. If it’s not for you, just let us know, and we’ll collect it. Love it? Follow the steps above to make it yours.
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Plus, thanks to our local authority partnerships, you might even score discount vouchers to lower your bike’s cost. Check out our Tips and Bits page for more info.
Option 2: Buy Straight Away
If you already know what you want, simply visit our bike page, filter by your council, and pick your ride.
Follow the steps above, and your new wheels will soon be on their way to you!
Enjoy the ride!
Need more persuasion? See what some of our Try Before You Bike customers say!
Getting Started
To participate, check if your employer is registered with a Cycle to Work scheme provider. If not, they can sign up easily. Once registered, you can select your desired bike and accessories, apply for a voucher, and start enjoying the benefits of cycling to work.
For more details and to calculate potential savings, check with your preferred Cycle to Work scheme provider.
Our Customers
Over the years many of our customers have used the Cycle to Work Scheme to kickstart their cycling adventures.
Check out what some of our scheme users say!
