Cycle to Work Scheme

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COVID-19 update: please be aware that the University will only be able to accept applications from staff approved to work on campus.  This is because the UK Government easement on the condition that bikes must be used 'mainly for work' applies only to those employees who joined the Scheme and received their purchases by 20 December 2020.  Those already in the Scheme are exempted from the 'mainly for work' condition until April 2022.

The University of Strathclyde is committed to the health and wellbeing of its employees and to a sustainable Glasgow. The Cycle to Work Scheme aims to address both these issues by promoting healthier journeys to and from work while contributing to a reduction in environmental pollution.  Related information on cycling and the facilities that the University provides is available at Sustainable Strathclyde.

The University is working with an external supplier, Cyclescheme, to provide and administer its Cycle to Work Scheme. Full details of the scheme and how it operates are available from the Cyclescheme website.

The Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax exempt Salary Sacrifice scheme which allows all eligible University employees to hire cycles and cycle safety equipment on a tax free basis. The tax exemption relates to the tax charge which would otherwise apply to cycles and cycle equipment loaned to employees. How the scheme is managed at the University together with the eligibility criteria is detailed in the Cycle to Work Policy.

The tax exemption is dependent on the following conditions being met:

  • the equipment hired must be a bicycle, a bicycle related safety equipment or both - all together up to the value £4,000 (inc. VAT)
  • the employee must remain in employment for the duration of the agreed 12 month Hire Period
  • the employee must use the equipment mainly for commuting, although they are entitled to use it for other purposes as well
  • following the salary sacrifice being applied, the employee’s gross pay does not reduce below the National Minimum Wage (NMW)

If, after reading all the FAQs on the Cyclescheme website and the information below you have further queries regarding the scheme, please contact the HR Operational Support Team.

 

What will the savings/costs be?

Savings will depend on your individual circumstances. Since the salary sacrifice is applied to your gross pay, you save on tax (at 40% or 20%) and National Insurance (10.4% if you are in USS, 12% if you are not and 2% if you earn over £42,475 p.a.).

A ready reckoner to give you a rough idea of your savings can be found on the Cyclescheme website for the University - you should enter your annual taxable pay figure as your salary (look on your payslip for taxable pay and multiply this by twelve).

You will also benefit from spreading your payments over 12 months.

What facilities does the University have for cyclists?

The Sustainable Strathclyde web pages include further information on cycling, including campus infrastructure (such as cycle parking and shower facilities), cycling safety and cycling security, as well as information on other modes of sustainable transport. 

Does the scheme have any drawbacks?

There are potential disadvantages in taking part in the scheme that you should satisfy yourself with before signing the agreement. There is a possible impact on your entitlement to tax credits & Statutory payments such as Statutory Sick Pay. We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Do I have the right to cancel?

Yes, within 14 days of receiving the agreement (under the Consumer Credit Act 1974) or within 7 days of collecting your bike (under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000). Please read the sample Hire Agreement for full details of your rights.

I want to take part

After carefully reading the details above, and you decide you wish to proceed with the scheme:

  1. Visit a cycle shop that is participating in the scheme. A full list can be found on the Cyclescheme website (enter your postcode to find the 10 nearest shops).
  2. Select a bicycle and, if desired, safety equipment only up to a maximum value (including VAT) of £4,000. The University has set this as the upper limit and any applications exceeding this will be rejected. Note: Safety equipment includes helmet, lights, reflective clothing etc but not cycle computers or waterproof clothing that is not reflective clothing.
  3. The shop will complete a quotation form, retaining the white copy and giving you a yellow copy.
  4. Enter the details on to the Cyclescheme webpage specifically for employees of the University of Strathclyde: www.cyclescheme.co.uk/2c688c. If you ever need it - 2c688c – is our employer code.
  5. Your application will be checked and authorised as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
  6. Cyclescheme will invoice the University and once this has been paid, a certificate and hire agreement will be sent to your home address or to your email address depending on what you have chosen while applying for your certificate.
  7. Take your certificate to the cycle shop and collect your bike.
  8. Insure your bicycle! You are strongly advised to obtain specific insurance or ensure it is covered by your home contents policy. You must inform your insurer that the University has an interest in the bike. Cyclescheme participants can obtain a 10% discount on Insurance & Roadside recovery with Cycleguard.
  9. Use your bike to cycle to work!

Note: depending upon the day/time when you submit your on-line application, the process from application to receipt of certificate will normally take 1.5 to 2.5 weeks.