2010-03-01T23:00:33+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/ Bike to work website@biketowork.org.uk 2010-02-28T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/buying-a-bike-how-much-to-spend.html <h2 id='buying_a_bike__false_economies'>Buying a Bike – False Economies?</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/broken-bike.jpg' height='249' alt='Cheap bikes break easily' width='200' /> <p>A good bicycle can cost a small fortune. You can pay as much as you would for a small car. But bikes also come cheap. Very cheap. So how much do you spend?</p> <p>If all you want is the means to get you to and from work then paying a lot is not very sensible. But beware buying cheap. For a long time that is what I did and each time I regretted it. But when it came to replacing the cheap bike it was hard to resist the temptation of buying cheap again. After all what is a bike but some rubber and a few bits of metal?</p> <p>But this is a false economy. With a bike you tend to get what you pay for. Try one for £100 and one that costs say £300 and the first time you ride them you may notice only a small difference. But over time that difference will grow.</p> <h2 id='so_what_are_you_paying_for'>So what are you paying for?</h2> <p>One of the things that matters is the quality of the gears and their ease of changing. Then there is the chain and the pedals and crankshaft. There is nothing worse than a bike with poor quality parts which need constant adjustment and keep coming loose. Cheap bikes have cheap tyres too which puncture more easily. Then there are the brakes. You want good ones and brake blocs come in here at around £10 a pair. If they don’t quite stop you dead they can be mighty effective and they may make the difference when it matters.</p> <p>This doesn’t mean that you have to go to the top of the range. A mid range bike from a good name will do. The point is that you should buy something that is a pleasure to ride everyday. And that is the problem with false economies – cheap bikes can be a daily regret.</p> <h2 id='cheap_accessories'>Cheap accessories</h2> <p>It is also a false economy to go for a cheap lock and lights. It was that lack of good lights that finally forced me to move up market. I followed a car at night into a back street that was blocked. The driver saw he could not go forward and slammed the car into reverse and, not seeing me, crushed the front wheel of my bike. But in the end he did me a great favour, forcing me to pay a decent price for a decent bike.</p> 2010-02-27T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/cycle-to-work-guarantee.html <h2 id='a_new_government_initiative_to_promote_cycling_to_work'>A new government initiative to promote cycling to work</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/happy-cyclist.jpg' height='195' alt='A happy cyclist' width='200' /> <p>The <a href='http://www.cycletoworkguarantee.org.uk/'>cycle to work guarantee</a> is an initiative by the UK&#8217;s Department of Transport, set up to promote cycling to and from the work place. The challenge has been set to all employers to make their business cycle friendly for their staff. The initiative was <a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RyMda7QbTQ'>launched</a> by the veteran broadcaster John Snow and British Olympic gold medal winner Chris Boardman.</p> <p>By joining the voluntary scheme employers are signalling that they are committed to green transport, creating and maintaining the correct infrastructure and facilities to allow staff to <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>cycle to work</a>.</p> <h2 id='encouraging_green_transport_in_the_workplace'>Encouraging green transport in the workplace</h2> <p>Businesses joining the scheme are committing to promoting green transport. This includes providing the correct facilities and training programs to allow staff to use their bikes comfortably and safely. These include &#8230;</p> <ul> <li><em>Storage</em>, providing safe and secure storage for your employees cycles</li> <li><em>Changing</em>, nobody wants to have to work in their sweaty cycling clothes! Under the scheme employers commit to providing changing rooms and showering facilities for staff.</li> <li><em>Buying</em>, businesses are committing to providing their employees with discount bikes under the <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>cycle to work scheme</a>.</li> <li><em>Repairing</em>, riding a daily commute can take it&#8217;s toll on your bike. The scheme offers cycle repair facilities on or near your place of work.</li> <li><em>Inspiring</em>, get everybody involved! Businesses on the scheme will provide training and encouragement to help get their staff cycling.</li> </ul> <h2 id='what_businesses_are_part_of_the_cycle_to_work_guarantee'>What businesses are part of the cycle to work guarantee?</h2> <p>Businesses from across the UK, both in the public and private sectors have <a href='http://www.cycletoworkguarantee.org.uk/cycle-to-work-companies.php'>joined the cycle to work guarantee</a>. Your workplace may be listed already, there are many big employers such as the NHS, Central Government Departments, Local Authorities, Schools and Universities. Within the private sector large companies such as the National Grid, EON and ASDA have joined the scheme too.</p> <p>All employers across the country, large and small are being invited to join. If you are interested in getting your work to join up we suggest sending your boss along to the <a href='http://www.cycletoworkguarantee.org.uk/cycle-to-work-sign-up.php'>sign up page</a> and making cycling to work an enjoyable and practical activity for you and you colleagues.</p> 2010-02-26T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/uk-bike-to-work-week-2010.html <h2 id='get_ready_for_this_years_bike_to_work_week'>Get ready for this year&#8217;s bike to work week!</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/bike-to-work-week-2010.jpg' height='134' alt='Bike to work week 2010' width='200' /> <p>This year <a href='http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/'>Team Green Britain's</a> bike week is being held on the week of 19th - 27th June 2010. The aim of the week is to promote cycling and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life.</p> <p>It&#8217;s the biggest national cycling event in the country and everybody is being invited to get involved, and what better way to do so than on your new <a href='http://biketowork.org.uk/tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>tax free bike</a>!</p> <h2 id='cycling_events_across_the_uk'>Cycling events across the UK</h2> <p>With over half a million people being expected to take part this years bike to work week will see many events happening across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There will be fun family orientated events too, so get the whole family involved for a great week of cycling! Check out <a href='http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php'>Team Green Britain's Event Map</a> for more details.</p> <p>Participating in bike week is great fun, and the Team Green Britain site provides some great <a href='http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/page.php?id=58'>cycling tips</a> to get you started. Everything from training for an event, bike servicing, safety advice, planning and of course the <a href='http://biketowork.org.uk/tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>cycle to work discount scheme</a>.</p> <p>Planning <a href='http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/page.php?id=57'>your own event</a> can be an excellent way to get involved too, and the site can help you do this too. Offering excellent information on organising and an event, leading a group ride, running information stalls, promoting your event and getting sponsorship.</p> 2010-02-25T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/what-type-of-bike-should-buy.html <h2 id='which_bike_is_right_for_me'>Which bike is right for me?</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/happy-cyclist.jpg' height='195' alt='A happy cyclist' width='200' /> <p>Buying the correct bike for you can be a little daunting, so it&#8217;s good to know the facts. Think about the length of your commute, the type of roads or bridal paths you may be using and the weather your likely to face. It might also be worth considering what you may like to use your bike for when not commuting? From weekend rides along quiet tow paths or road racing through the countryside.</p> <p>This short guide introduces you to some of the different bikes you may want to buy with your money from the <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>bike to work scheme</a>, we discuss the pros and cons of each, helping you make the correct decision.</p> <h2 id='road_bikes'>Road bikes</h2> <img class='right' src='/images/road-bike-handlebars.jpg' height='150' alt='Road bike with drop handlebars' width='200' /> <p>Road bikes are ultra light machines built for speed. Usually made from aluminium or carbon fibre road bikes tend to be a bit more expensive than a mountain or hybrid bike. They feature drop handle bars for an aerodynamic riding position and a range of high gears for optimum speed.</p> <p>Using a road bike for your daily commute can shorten the time it takes to get from A to B, but be aware that a road bike is exactly that, suitable only for the road. You will have a hard time using a road bike on even a modest tow path, let alone a bridal way.</p> <h2 id='mountain_bikes'>Mountain bikes</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/mountain-bike-rider.jpg' height='133' alt='A mountain bike and rider' width='200' /> <p>Mountain bikes are ironically some of the most common you will see on the road. They feature wide and deep treaded tyres, oversized tubing and often suspension forks. Mountain bikes have a wide array of gear ratios to allow the rider to ease over more difficult terrain.</p> <p>A mountain bike may not be the best choice of transport for a city based commute. The wider tyres give an often slower ride. You could fit &#8220;slicks&#8221; on your mountain bike, tyres with a shallower tread more suitable for riding on the road.</p> <h2 id='hybrid_bikes'>Hybrid bikes</h2> <img class='right' src='/images/bike-panniers.jpg' height='160' alt='Hybrid bike with panniers' width='200' /> <p>Hybrid bikes offer the rider the best of both worlds. They are strong enough to be taken off road on tow paths and bridleways but also offer speed and comfort for city and town riding. Hybrid bikes generally have wider tyres than a road bike and feature flat handle bars.</p> <p>A hybrid bike can be an excellent choice for those riders looking for stability and versatility.</p> <h2 id='folding_bikes'>Folding bikes</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/folding-bike.jpg' height='150' alt='A folding bike can be faster than it looks' width='200' /> <p>Folding bikes are a great choice for short commutes, those that need to take their bike on the train or for those with limited storage space. A folding bike usually collapses to a carry-able size and should be light enough to lift without straining.</p> <p>Folding bikes have very small wheels but very high gear ratios, this means they can be ridden at the same speed and effort as a larger bike.</p> 2010-02-24T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html <h2 id='tax_free_cycles'>Tax free cycles</h2> <img class='right' src='/images/safe-cycling.jpg' height='197' alt='Safe cycling' width='220' /> <p>The UK&#8217;s cycle to work scheme is a government initiative that enables all UK employers to offer tax free cycles and cycling equipment to their employees. As an employee you can look to save up to 50% on £1000 worth of cycles and cycling equipment.</p> <p>The scheme was implemented in 1999 as part of the Finance Act, and is aimed at promoting healthier travel options for commuters and reducing pollution. So far thousands of employees have take advantage of these amazing savings, why not get involved too?</p> <h2 id='who_is_eligible_for_the_cycle_to_work_scheme'>Who is eligible for the cycle to work scheme?</h2> <p>Employers of all sizes across the public, private and voluntary sectors can implement a tax exempt loan scheme for their employees. The employees wishing to participate should be paid through the PAYE system. The scheme is not available to the self-employed or employees on the National Minimum Wage.</p> <h2 id='what_kind_of_bike_can_i_buy_what_about_equipment'>What kind of bike can I buy, what about equipment?</h2> <img class='left' src='/images/bicycles.jpg' height='197' alt='Bicycles' width='220' /> <p>All <a href='what-type-of-bike-should-buy.html'>types of bicycle</a> are offered under the scheme. The definition of a bicycle is any cycle or tricycle having two or more wheels that is not classified as a motor vehicle, although electrically assisted cycles are also covered by this.</p> <p>You can also spend your money on cycling equipment, including all safety equipment such as helmets and lights, as well as clothing, bags, tools and spare parts.</p> <p>You may spend up to £1000 in total, including equipment. This price may cover more than one bike, which is also acceptable. For example you may need to cycle form home to your train station and then from the other end of the line to work.</p> <h2 id='how_does_the_cycle_scheme_work'>How does the cycle scheme work?</h2> <p>The cycle to work scheme offers discounts by removing the tax charge that would otherwise apply. For example, if you buy a bike outside of the scheme you will have already paid income tax on your money, and also have to pay VAT on the bike itself. The scheme removes these taxes by offering the bike VAT free and letting you pay direct from your salary before income tax.</p> <ul> <li>Ownership of the equipment is not transferred to the employee during the loan period</li> <li>Employees use the equipment mainly for qualifying journeys; i.e. for journeys made between the employees home and workplace, or part of those journeys (for example, to the station), or for journeys between one workplace and another</li> <li>The Cycle to Work scheme is made available generally to employees of the employer concerned and not confined to directors or offered to them on more favourable terms.</li> </ul> 2010-02-23T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/cycle-to-work-scheme-calculator.html <p> Like cycling and green transport? You could save up to 50% on a new bike and accessories with the <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>UK cycle to work scheme</a>. Use our free calculator below to estimate your savings then find out more about the scheme, or have a think about what type of <a href='what-type-of-bike-should-buy.html'>bike</a> or equipment you'd like to buy! </p><form method='get' action='cycle-to-work-scheme-calculator.html' id='calculator'> <fieldset> <h2>Enter your details for your discount bike price:</h2> <div id='calc_error'> &nbsp; </div> <label> Your annual salary before tax <input name='salary' size='20' type='text' /> </label> <label> Amount you want to spend on the bike and accessories <input name='amount' size='20' type='text' /> </label> <label for='vat'>Does you employer claim VAT (usually yes)</label> <label class='checks'> Yes <input name='vat' id='calc_vat_true' type='radio' value='true' /> </label> <label class='checks'> No <input name='vat' type='radio' value='false' /> </label> <div class='label'> <input id='calc_submit' type='submit' value='Calculate savings!' /> </div> <div id='savings'> <div id='percent'> &nbsp; </div> <div id='pounds'> &nbsp; </div> <p id='blurb'> &nbsp; </p> </div> </fieldset> </form><p> <em>This calculator is for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the savings offered buy your employers bike to work scheme. It is based on the 2009/10 UK tax and national insurance bandings.</em> </p><script src='/js/calculator.js' type='text/javascript'> // </script> 2010-02-22T00:00:00+00:00 http://biketowork.org.uk/index.html <div class='main_promo'> <h2><a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>Tax free bikes with the cycle to work scheme</a></h2> <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'> <img src='/images/bike-to-work-main.jpg' height='321' alt='Tax free bikes with the cycle to work scheme' width='628' /> </a> <p>Tax free bikes for work through the UK Government's cycle to work scheme. We provide <a href='tax-free-bikes-with-the-cycle-to-work-scheme.html'>impartial information</a> to help both employers and employees.</p> </div><div class='hp_promo'> <h2><a href='cycle-to-work-scheme-calculator.html'>Cycle to work scheme discount calculator</a></h2> <p>You could save up to 50% on a new bike and accessories with the UK's cycle to work scheme. Use our <a href='cycle-to-work-scheme-calculator.html'>free calculator</a> below to estimate your savings</p> </div><div class='hp_promo'> <h2><a href='what-type-of-bike-should-buy.html'>Buying the right bike for you</a></h2> <p>Make sure you <a href='what-type-of-bike-should-buy.html'>buy the correct bike</a> for you with our handy guide</p> </div><br style='clear:both;' /><div class='hp_promo'> <h2><a href='uk-bike-to-work-week-2010.html'>UK bike to work week 2010</a></h2> <p>Get ready for this year's <a href='uk-bike-to-work-week-2010.html'>bike week</a>, we have all the latest news on this great annual event!</p> </div><div class='hp_promo'> <h2><a href='buying-a-bike-how-much-to-spend.html'>How much to spend on your bike</a></h2> <p>How much is too much? What are the problems with buying cheap? We discuss in our article on <a href='buying-a-bike-how-much-to-spend.html'>how much to spend on your bike</a></p> </div><br style='clear:both;' /><div class='hp_promo'> <h2><a href='cycle-to-work-guarantee.html'>Promoting a healthy workforce</a></h2> <p>The challenge has been set to all employers to make their business cycle friendly for their staff! Find out more about the <a href='cycle-to-work-guarantee.html'>cycle to work guarantee &hellip;</a></p> </div><br style='clear:both;' />