At the beginning of the September the University offered staff the chance to get a bike through the Cycle to Work scheme for the first time.
In the last few months, around 30 members of staff have signed up to the scheme, taking advantage of tax and national insurance savings on the purchase of a bike and safety equipment.The increased affordability of buying a bike has encouraged some members of staff to leave the car at home a few days a week and cycle to University, saving money on fuel and parking and improving their health and wellbeing.
Andrew Fleming, from the School of the Built Environment, shared his thoughts on the scheme, “My experience so far has been very positive and my fitness has noticeably improved. I also estimate that I am saving around £200 a month on petrol costs.”
The scheme was created to encourage commuting to the University by bike but staff can also benefit from being able to cycle in their leisure time. Hybrid bikes have been popular under the scheme as these are designed for use on both roads and trails allowing for midweek commuting and weekend leisure cycling.
Folding bikes, such as the Brompton, have also been popular choices as they are convenient to store and allow for taking part of your journey by public transport.
If you are unsure about which cycle would be best for you – check out this useful link.
The current window for applications to the scheme closes this Friday November 4 with the next window open in March 2012.
If you want to apply or find out more click here and you could soon be saving money, boosting you fitness and discovering a whole new way of travelling – for work and for fun.
For more info about cycling at the University click here.
If you want to join the University’s cycling community, click here to join the Bicycle User Group.