Boardman backs fourth Cycle to Work day
Posted on in Cycles News
Cycle to Work Day returns on Wednesday 14th September for a fourth year, encouraging everyone to take to two wheels and cycle to work for just one day.
The event's ambassador is Chris Boardman, MBE, Olympic gold medallist and multiple award-winning and record-breaking cycling extraordinaire. The day has become a national annual event in the UK, and for the first time, Cycle to Work Day is inviting riders in Ireland to join in the event too.
The cycle to work scheme is an initiative to get people into cycling regularly through their everyday commute.
2015's event saw many of the campaign's numbers close to double that of the previous year. The pledged number of riders rose to just under 33,000; miles ridden to just under half a million; and the number of employers reached just under 900, with a combined workforce of more-than-one-million employees.
"I'm delighted to be the ambassador for Cycle to Work Day 2016, it's something I believe in deeply", said Chris Boardman, MBE.
"The occasion offers a focal point for people who don't cycle already to give it a go and for those that do, to celebrate this wonderful form of transport. People from all over the country and all walks of life united for a day by this wonderful machine and in doing so, help to remind us that our journey's to work can be something to be enjoyed."
"We would like to get cyclists, employers encouraging their employees and bike shops all involved and supporting the event as we launch the first Cycle to Work Day in Ireland," said Tracy O'Brien, Operations and Benefits Product Manager, Cyclescheme Ireland. "The event will be one celebration of everyday cycle commuting, so please pledge now to pedal or encourage colleagues, friends and family to get pedalling on the day."
"With the future of health-related benefits through salary sacrifice such as cycle to work being protected in 2016's UK Budget, we would like to get riders, employers and bike shops all involved in this year's Cycle to Work Day." said Stephen Holt, Commercial Director, Cyclescheme. "We're proud to be behind this cycling event's return for the fourth year in a row."
The campaign's aim is for a million people in the UK and Ireland to get on their bikes to work by 2021.
With more people encouraged to get on their bikes and ride to work, Cycle to Work schemes are a great way to help your customers afford the bike they want by spreading the cost. But with the majority of employees faced with a £1000 limit on C2W, Ride it away retail finance is a totally complementary scheme, helping those who are looking to spend more (perhaps on an e-bike) than the £1000 limit, the self-employed, those on the minimum wage or where employers simply don't want to engage in C2W administration to spread the cost of purchasing a bike and accessories to cycle to work. The ACT recommend all IBDs should be offering both Ride it away and Cycle to work to maximise sales.
If you are an independent bike shop and you want to get involved in the day by offering free bike health checks, pledge at www.cycletoworkday.org
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