Cycle to work scheme
The Cycle to Work Scheme is a government initiative that encourages alternative travel and the reduction of our environmental impact. This reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to spread the cost of getting a new bike, save on Income Tax, National Insurance and increase your fitness.
Cheshire East Council is offering this benefit through Cyclescheme - the leading provider of Cycle to Work schemes in the UK. The benefits of the scheme are:
- leasing through salary sacrifice means you can receive Income Tax and National Insurance savings of 25-39% off the retail price of the bike and safety equipment package, dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status.
- you can spread the cost over a year
- choose from over 500 brands from 1900 partner stores across the UK
- get access to a range of extra benefits through your exclusive MyCyclescheme account, including the new and exclusive BikeMiles
- access up to £4,000 for your cycle
Although bikes and equipment are expected to be used mostly for commuting to and from work, they can also be used for leisure.
As this is a salary sacrifice scheme, we are not allowed, by law, to reduce your pay to below the National Minimum Wage. Therefore, membership of another scheme (Car, Childcare Vouchers, Purchase of Annual Leave) may affect your ability to take advantage of this scheme. Similarly, joining this scheme may affect your ability to take advantage of any other salary sacrifice scheme.
How to apply
You can apply for the Cycle to Work Scheme by following the steps below. Before you start your application read the scheme rules and FAQs for guidance.
How to cancel a certificate
Employees can only request a cancellation/ value amendment during the initial 14 cooling off period after they have been sent their certificate. After this time, the agreement cannot be cancelled.
Benefits of the cycle to work scheme
Watch the video for more information on the cycle to work scheme. This includes the benefits of the scheme, where you can get a bike,and how you can apply for additional cycle scheme benefits.
Step by step guide to applying
- Check your savings and find your local partner store online at Extras (workplaceextras.com). You will then need to visit your chosen store to select your bike and/or equipment. The store will give you a written quote.
- Apply for your Cyclescheme certificate back at Extras (workplaceextras.com), entering the details from your quote form. You will be required to sign your online hire agreement at this time. Please contact the helpline if you are unable to apply online for any reason.
- Cheshire East checks your eligibility to take part in the scheme and approves your application, where appropriate, by electronically countersigning the hire agreement and paying Cyclescheme for the full retail price of the bike and safety equipment. This process will take around 4 weeks.
- Cyclescheme will then send out your certificate – this will normally be sent by email as a printable ‘e-certificate’ for all on-line applications.
- The Certificate is then redeemed in the bike shop and exchanged for the bike package. You will need to take identification.
- At the end of the initial hire period Cyclescheme will contact to you outline your ‘end of hire’ options. The option to pay a small percentage of the original cost (currently 3-7% depending on the value of the bike package) to enter into a 3 year extended hire agreement with Cyclescheme is usually the most economic. During this agreement you will not be expected to make any further payment and Cyclescheme may transfer ownership of the bike and/or equipment to you at the end of the extended hire period.
Equipment only certificates
Cycle to Work Scheme members can submit a request for safety only equipment without a need to include a bike. This is beneficial for staff who have already taken part in the scheme, or is in the extended use period as it is an opputunity to re-apply and get essential safety kit.
You cannot make a safety equipment only request if you are currently making salary sacrifice payments towards a bike (i.e. currently in a Hire Agreement).
Safety equipment only certificate requests work in exactly the same way as any other Cyclescheme certificate request. The maximum limit will remain at £4,000 (with a £100 minimum), the hire period will be 12-months and the end of hire process will work in exactly the same way.
Contact details for Cyclescheme