GCI Blog

Cycling towards a clearer future; Cycle to work’s crucial role

Without doubt, two of the heroes of the Covid-19 crisis was the humble bicycle and the cycle to work scheme.  During lockdown, key workers struggled to get to work as they avoided the enclosed space of public transport. Luckily, for many people, the bicycle came to the rescue via the cycle to work scheme.  Commuters have taken control and have chosen active travel options, choosing to cycle to work in vast numbers. Lets continue cycling towards a cleaner future.

This commuter move towards cycle to work has had a significant and positive impact on our air quality.  The amount of toxic air in the air we breathe has fallen dramatically.  Those living in areas where illegal levels of dirty air have been recorded, are enjoying cleaner air and a reduction of lung-related health problems. Dirty air causes the hospitalisation and premature deaths of thousands of people, every year. It’s imperative that we preserve these clearer skies for the benefit of us all and to protect the NHS.  Cycle to work schemes can help with this.

Big savings on new bikes

To describe the bicycle as humble is probably not accurate, what with the advent of the electric bike and other technological advances.  Inevitably, these bikes have higher price tags but the cycle to work scheme provides huge savings.

Cycling towards a clearer future

Through the cycle to work scheme, participants can save 32 – 47% on a new bike, giving them access to commuter-quality bikes. The industry-leading cycle to work scheme provider is Green Commute Initiative with no £1,000 limit and no scheme exit fees.  Employers do not need to register; Instant GCI is a pay-as-you-go scheme with a 24-48 hour turnaround time.  GCI’s cycle to work scheme is truly flexible with options to extend the salary sacrifice period over 12-60 months.  Employers also save 13.8% on reduced NICs.

The cycle to work scheme has enabled many people to continue their essential work at a time of national emergency. It’s also important to remember that cycling greatly benefits individual mental health, physical fitness and boosts staff morale.  But crucially, cycling reduces the amount of toxic air we breathe in and steers us towards a clearer future.

See how you can apply with GCI here.

  • 29th July 2020 – Last updated 21st June 2022