Cycling and a Travel Plan

Using active modes of travel such as cycling can help your employees save time and money on their journey to work. They will also be getting the physical activity everyone needs to remain healthy.

Encouraging cycling does not involve a great deal of cost or infrastructure. Sign up to the "Cycle to Work Guarantee" to demonstrate your committment.

Try to

• Make sure your employees know about the health benefits - 3 miles is an easy cycle ride which will take most people around 20 minutes and will burn approximately 100 calories
• Your local authority may be able to provide cycle route maps to give to staff. Newport City Council have maps available here
• Go to the Sustrans Cymru website for information on cycle routes in South East Wales 

Promotion and publicity

• Get involved in national events such as Bike Week - it's a great opportunity to encourage new cyclists and reward your regulars with promotions such as Biker's Breakfast. Click here for a calender of sustainable travel events

Facilities

• Cyclists will tell you that bike security is the most important thing; make sure there is secure parking on site. It should also be near your building entrances. 
• Lockers, a drying room for wet clothing and showers are also appreciated by cyclists and can also be used by walkers.
• Providing a bike repair kit is a low cost benefit which demonstrates your commitment to cyclists.

Training and support

• Set up a Bike User Group (BUG) to enable regular and new cyclists to meet and discuss cycling issues.
• A bike buddy scheme will allow regular cyclists to share their experience and knowledge of local routes with new cyclists.
• New cyclists may benefit from cycle training - click here for further information on providers in South East Wales.
• For free workplace resources click here

Financial incentives

• Review your cycling mileage allowance - HMRC allows 20p per mile.
• The UK Government has introduced a new way to buy a bike through the salary sacrifice scheme - click here for more details. HMRC has recently introduced new guidlines on the final purchase price; click here for more information