Cycle to Work Scheme for staff

Cycle to Work Scheme for staff

About this activity

Suitable for all schools.

NB: We’re bringing together all the TfL education programmes, including STARS, under one exciting new umbrella programme called TfL Travel for Life. They will be the same great programmes, but with a new name and a new look, easier online process and dedicated support team. STARS for primary schools will be renamed TfL Explorers. STARS for secondary schools will be renamed TfL Pioneers.

Do staff at your school want to cycle but need a little help?

A Cycle to Work Scheme could help with a tax and interest-free loan for cycle equipment. They were introduced by the UK Government in the Finance Act 1999 to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution.

The schemes allow employers to loan bikes and cycling equipment such as helmets and locks to employees as a tax-free benefit. The employee then pays a monthly 'salary sacrifice' to 'hire' the bike and kit, saving up to 40 per cent of the cost over a 12-month period. When the scheme ends they can purchase the bike at a small cost.

Any employer can set up a scheme for its staff. Your school may already be enrolled in the scheme or be able to use the Local Authority scheme. Contact your School Travel Adviser to find out more. 

More staff cycling to school can result in:

  • An opportunity to lead by example to promote cycling to parents and pupils

  • Less staff car use means lower congestion and pollution levels around your school

  • Staff car parking spaces could be used for cycle parking or playground improvements

  • Fitter, healthier staff take fewer days off sick

 

Activity steps

1
Research
Find out if your school already has access to a scheme – discuss with senior management and your borough officer
2
Find a scheme
Choose a scheme to register your school with (see resources for some examples)
3
Register
Contact your chosen scheme and register your school
4
Promote
Advertise the scheme to staff in meetings, newsletters and noticeboards and encourage sign-up
5
Check for success
How many of your staff use the scheme?

Tags

  • Cycling

This activity counts towards:

  • Travel activity

How it helps

  • Promotes active travel at leadership level
  • Reduces air pollution around schools

Resources

Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity