Pensions and Benefits Show at ExCel, London, 12-13th June
The Ride2Work team will be at the Pensions and Benefits Show at ExCel, London, 12-13th June. Come and visit us on Stand 21A.
For more information visit http://www.pensionsandbenefitsshow.co.uk
New Report: The Green Way to Work – 15/5/13
Users of the cycle to work scheme are saving 112,210 tonnes of CO2 every year, according to new research published today by the Cycle to Work Alliance. The survey also found that the scheme continues to play an important role in encouraging more and more commuters to travel to work by bicycle, attracting new cyclists onto their bikes.
The Cycle to Work Alliance’s The Green Way to Work report, which surveyed over 18,500 employees who use the cycle to work scheme, examined why the scheme motivates so many people to commute to work by bike, and how this helps both central and local government meet their sustainable transport objectives. Read the Green Way to Work report
Key findings from the report:
- Users of the cycle to work scheme are cycling over 13 million miles per week
- 67% would travel to work by car if they did not cycle to work
- These commuters are saving 112,210 tonnes of CO2 in reduced car emissions. The equivalent of flying from London to New York every day for 87 years!
- 54% of participants did not cycle to work before joining the scheme
- 97% of employers believe encouraging their workforce to be healthy was an important consideration in their decision to offer the cycle to work scheme
- 79% of employers surveyed said improving employee loyalty was also an important element of their offering the scheme
The Minister for Cycling, Norman Baker MP said:
“I am delighted to see that the Cycle to Work Scheme continues to grow, and it is encouraging that findings in this report show that more and more commuters are looking towards cycling as their main mode of transport to work.
By boosting the number of people who travel to work by bike, the scheme is making a tangible contribution to addressing the Coalition Government’s commitment to reduce the country’s carbon emissions and create sustainable growth.”
Read the Green Way to Work report
First quarter sees unprecedented growth in cycle to work figures
Despite this year’s terrible winter weather, increasing numbers of individuals are choosing to commute to work by bike. Figures from the first quarter of this year highlight that the Government-supported cycle to work scheme, which supports employees with the cost of a new bike, has seen unprecedented growth during the beginning of 2013.
Overall, members of the Cycle to Work Alliance, which includes Evans Cycles, have reported a 19.3% increase in take-up in Q1 2013, when compared to the same time period in 2012. The first quarter has seen the scheme encouraging over 15,000 new cyclists to commute to work by bicycle* – an unprecedented figure for the first three months of the year.
Following the recent publication of a report by MPs setting out recommendations to get the population cycling, the increase in numbers participating in the cycle to work scheme demonstrate the appetite of individuals to make the switch to two-wheels.
With the profile of cycling being having been raised both by the recent Get Britain Cycling campaign, as well as the success of the 2012 London Olympics, the cycle to work scheme remains a proven, affordable and effective way of increasing cycling uptake.
Monarch Airlines Ride2Work scheme takes off!
The Monarch Group launched its first ever cycle to work scheme in February following requests from their employees.
Monarch selected Evans Cycles as its provider due to the range of bikes and equipment available to suit all prices, plus its store coverage matched closely to Monarch’s bases and offices. With the option of in-store, online and telephone ordering, all areas were covered for its employees.
The Ride2Work team embarked on a series of nine roadshow events around the country to present the scheme to staff, with a ‘pop-up shop’ at its Luton hub where crew, engineers and ground staff were able to drop in for advice on the scheme and the right bike for them.
In addition, a companywide communications programme was implemented to ensure staff were all made aware of the Ride2Work scheme and its benefits.
The provision of a cycle to work scheme had been frequently requested by Monarch employees and nearly 100 joined the scheme in the first application window. Monarch is planning to repeat the scheme later in the summer.
You can now get accessories only with Ride2Work
A recent clarification to the guidance of the Cycle to Work Scheme means that participants can now get safety accessories, without the need to get a bike.
This clarification is in line with HMRC guidance and means more employees are able to join Ride2Work and take advantage of all the benefits that cycling has to offer.
Employees without a bike can still join the scheme and start cycling to work by hiring a new bike and safety accessories. Those who already have a bike can select essential safety accessories such as helmets, lights, locks and reflective clothing to help keep them on the road.
All other scheme guidelines continue to apply. The maximum Ride2Work certificate limit is £1000, and the minimum is £100. The process for applying and signing the hire agreement is exactly the same.
The list of cycling safety accessories available through Ride2Work remains unchanged and can be viewed on our Employee FAQ's page.
Ride2Work partners with Cycle Hoop
Evans Cycles Ride2Work have partnered with Cycle Hoop, to offer employers discounts on a range of award winning cycle parking facilities.
Cyclehoop specialises in producing innovative indoor and outdoor cycle parking infrastructure. Cyclehoop offer a complete service from design and planning to manufacturing and installation. All products are designed and manufactured in the UK.
Employers operating the Ride2Work scheme with Evans Cycles will receive a free site audit and discounts of up to 20% when they place an order with Cycle Hoop. Simply quote your Ride2Work account number to take advantage of this offer.
Read our introduction to good cycle parking here
2012 growth sees increase in commuters cycling to work
The Government supported Cycle to Work Scheme saw a 7.9 per cent increase in take up during 2012 compared to 2011. Members of the Cycle to Work Alliance, which includes Evans Cycles, have seen a growth in the number of employees signing up to the scheme. 2012 saw over 86,000 new cyclists commuting to work by bike*, far exceeding the comparative figure for 2011.
The fourth quarter of 2012 saw the largest increase in users – with 30 per cent more individuals signing up to the scheme than in the fourth quarter of 2011. Members of the Alliance have seen the boost in take up as a legacy of a result of the success of the British Cycling Team during the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Tour de France.
As rail fares continue to increase above inflation, many are looking to cheaper forms of transport, with cycling being a popular choice. The cycle to work scheme provides an affordable solution to reducing commuting costs helping some employees save up to 42% of the cost of a new bike and safety equipment, whilst also benefitting from improved health and fitness.
* Industry data shows that 61% of the scheme uptake each year are new users. Given 141,219 certificates were issued by Alliance members in 2012, there were approximately 86,144 new scheme users.
Evans Cycles announces Hoy bikes
Next year you could be riding to work on a bike bearing the name of Sir Chris Hoy.
Find out more here
Evans Cycles launches corporate gift vouchers
Evans Cycles, the UK’s largest specialist cycle retailer, has launched corporate gift vouchers in response to cycling’s growing popularity following the Olympics.
Mark Brown, Head of Ride2Work & Corporate Sales at Evans Cycles said: “This summer we saw cycling’s profile increase dramatically. In the employee benefits arena organisations want to offer attractive benefits and cycling ticks all the right boxes. It’s popular, green, healthy, and boosts employee engagement.”
Evans Cycles gift vouchers can be used in any of the retailers 46 stores nationwide as well as its telephone mail order service. Various denominations of vouchers are available with discounts for bulk orders.
To find out more and place an order click here
New exclusive benefits for Ride2Work customers
From 1st September customers participating in the Evans Cycles Ride2Work scheme will receive up to £50 worth of free cycling accessories when purchasing their new bike.
In addition Ride2Work customers will also get half-price servicing for a year after collecting their new bike. Customers can save 50% on any Bronze, Silver or Gold bike service.
Mark Brown, Head of Ride2Work at Evans Cycles said: “We trialled free accessories this summer and the response was amazing. We have now improved the offer to give customers an even better deal and further maximise their savings. We have also responded to client feedback regarding bike maintenance and their wish to help employees keep their bikes in top working order. Giving customers 50% off their bike servicing is a great way to help them save money and continue to enjoy cycling.”
Evans Cycles is the UK’s largest specialist cycle retailer with 46 stores nationwide, and a leading provider of cycle to work schemes to thousands of clients under its Ride2Work brand.
Warburtons bakers get on their bikes
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Warburtons, one of the UK’s largest bakery brands employing over 4000 people, is the latest success story for Evans Cycles Ride2Work. The company is seeing the benefit of fitter and healthier members of staff who’ve joined the Ride2Work salary sacrifice scheme.
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Launched in September 2011, the scheme got off to a great start with 185 people across the business getting a bike through Ride2Work, followed with a second opportunity in April 2012 when a further 100 employees signed up to the scheme.
Warburtons is currently opening their 3rd election window for staff to apply in September, and with the buzz around cycling and fitness following the Olympics, strong interest is again anticipated. Total staff participation in Ride2Work will significantly exceed the industry average of 3%-5% of employees.
The Ride2Work team visited nine Warburtons locations this year with roadshows of bikes and equipment and spoke to many employees to answer questions about the scheme and cycling in general.
Craig Jones, Team Leader at Warburtons Variety Bakery in Bolton was one of 21 in his bakery to sign up to the scheme. He’s now cycling from Wigan to Bolton and back every day and is already seeing the benefits. He said “Ride2Work is a great idea. It’s enabled me to get a good quality bike at a more affordable price and it’s more than paid for itself with the money I’m saving in petrol. I’m actually selling my car now because I really don’t need it anymore. My fitness has improved a lot too and I’ve lost 7lbs. I’d recommend it to everyone”
Warburtons were pleased with the Ride2Work scheme and particularly the new online hire agreements which have improved the speed of approval and administration.
Wiggins, sunshine and Olympics give cycling to work a boost says Evans Cycles
UK cycle retailer Evans Cycles has reported a 150% increase in applications for its Ride2Work tax free bike scheme in the 3 weeks since the end of the Tour De France and the final week of the Olympics..
The figures for employees applying to join the retailer’s Ride2Work scheme, which offers savings on the cost of new bike through tax incentives, show a massive increase in the 3 weeks from late July compared to the same period last year.
Mark Brown, Head of Ride2Work at Evans Cycles explained: “The past few weeks have seen a unique situation. Fantastic sporting achievements, with a particular emphasis on cycling have combined with a big improvement in the weather. As a result many more people want to get on two wheels and give cycling a try. The Ride2Work scheme is the perfect solution, allowing people to get quality equipment with great savings. In addition employers are becoming more enthusiastic in their support for cycling to work so it has been a real boost which benefits everyone.”
For more information on the Ride2Work scheme click here
Evans Cycles is the UK’s largest specialist cycle retailer with 46 stores nationwide. Under the Ride2Work brand Evans Cycles administers cycle to work schemes for thousands of employers nationwide.
Quest Software company signs up to Ride 2 Work
Global software company, Quest, has recently signed with Evans Cycles to provide employees with the great tax-free Ride2Work scheme. Quest Software employees were invited to attend a launch event and presentation in one of the company’s larger meeting rooms, to learn more about the features and benefits of the Ride2Work scheme, the simple application process and the end of scheme options, as well as an up-close look at the selection of bikes Evans Cycles had taken along.
As with every Ride2Work event, employees could ask us questions about the kind of bikes they are looking to purchase, take away a Ride It! magazine, information flyers and, of course, grab one or two of the infamous Evans slap-bands!
Another good launch event – thank you for having us, Quest Software, and best of luck with your Ride2Work scheme!
Ride2Work certificates can now be redeemed online
Great news for those participating in the Ride2Work scheme, you can now redeem your certificates online through the award-winning Evans Cycles website.
Browse our complete product range, select your bike and accessories then redeem your certificate from the comfort of your desk or sofa. You can choose to have your new bike delivered to a local Evans Cycles store of your choice or to your home or work. And delivery is free of charge!
Mark Brown, Head of Evans Cycles Ride2Work commented: “We can now offer our Ride2Work scheme participants a fantastic multi-channel offer, making it even easier to benefit from our great range, competitive prices and outstanding customer service.”
To redeem your certificate online simply select the products you wish to purchase, add them to the online shopping basket and then choose “Redeem Cycle to Work Certificate” from the checkout options.
The bikes we deliver to you are fully assembled by qualified mechanics and ready to ride. View this video to find out more about how we prepare bikes for home delivery.
Don’t forget Ride2Work certificates can still be redeemed at any Evans Cycles store or over the phone through our Contact Centre
Cycle to work still a great benefit says new research
Research conducted by Evans Cycles Ride2Work has confirmed that employees continue to take significant benefits from the tax free cycle to work scheme.
Evans Cycles recently surveyed over 300 employees from a number of different companies, who had taken part in the cycle to work scheme in the last 6 months.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 80% of participants say they have become fitter
- 60% have reduced their travel costs
- 55% say they are now happier
In response to the question: “In the current economic climate is the cycle to work scheme more or less appealing?” Over 80% of respondents said it is more appealing.
The main reasons for participating in a cycle to work scheme were:
- To start cycling to work
- To get a new quality bike with savings
- To spread the cost through salary
- To get fitter
Mark Brown, Head of Ride2Work at Evans Cycles commented: “The survey results really confirm just what a valuable benefit this is. The combination of savings and lifestyle benefits is quite unique, and underline why the scheme remains so popular. In the run up to the Olympics it is a benefit we expect to be in high demand.”
Gatwick Airport Gets off to a Flying Start
Gatwick Airport launched Ride2Work in July 2011 and it proved such an immediate success with its staff, they opened it again in October 2011 and have just added an extra enrolment period to encourage further staff to take up the scheme.
The Ride2Work events team held roadshows in Gatwick’s two staff canteens to answer questions during the July and October enrolment periods and they will be running further roadshows in March.
Vanessa Cammell, HR advisor at Gatwick Airport, said: “This scheme is an excellent benefit for employees and encourages greater wellbeing and employee satisfaction. Evans have made the process easy and delivered a great service.
The scheme is part of Gatwick Airport’s corporate social responsibility profile, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Since the majority of the 2,500 staff are security officers in physical roles, the scheme is also aimed at promoting health and wellbeing.
The Ride2Work events team held roadshows in Gatwick’s two staff canteens to answer questions during the July and October enrolment periods and they will be running further roadshows in March.
Vanessa Cammell, HR advisor at Gatwick Airport, said: “This scheme is an excellent benefit for employees and encourages greater wellbeing and employee satisfaction. Evans have made the process easy and delivered a great service.
The scheme is part of Gatwick Airport’s corporate social responsibility profile, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Since the majority of the 2,500 staff are security officers in physical roles, the scheme is also aimed at promoting health and wellbeing.
Virgin Media saddles up for Ride2Work launch
Virgin Media is celebrating the success of its first ever cycle to work scheme in partnership with Evans Cycles.Virgin Media and Evans Cycles launched the scheme in November to employees nationwide across the network of Virgin Media offices.
Provision of a cycle to work scheme had been a much requested addition to the wide range of benefits available to Virgin Media staff – with surveys showing cycle to work was the most popular choice amongst possible new benefits. To launch the scheme, the Evans Cycles Ride2Work team visited nine key Virgin Media locations from Hook in Hampshire to Bellshill near Glasgow to help spread the word about the scheme. Competitions and prizes in the form of Evans Cycles vouchers were up for grabs in a turbo bike competition where employees raced against Virgin Media’s superfast 100Mb broadband speed. Virgin Media also gave staff the chance to compete to win a £500 bike.
In addition a company-wide communications programme was implemented to ensure staff were all made aware of the Ride2Work scheme and its benefits.
Paul Farrell, Head of Group Benefits for Virgin Media said, "Evans Cycles has been a fantastic partner for Virgin Media to launch the Ride2Work scheme to our staff. Ride2Work has kick started part of our approach to Wellbeing in 2012 and we’re committed to taking responsibility for growing our business in a way that’s good for people and the environment. We're proud to offer Ride2Work to our staff to compliment our sustainability agenda.”
Over 270 employees joined the scheme from all regions and levels of the organisation with the largest take up in Manchester, the north-east and at Virgin Media’s headquarters in Hook, Hampshire.
Mark Brown, Head of Ride2Work at Evans Cycles commented: “Virgin Media’s commitment and enthusiasm to launching Ride2Work has been fantastic and the key to this successful launch. The support of large employers is critical to ensuring more employees can take advantage of the outstanding savings and lifestyle benefits which Ride2Work delivers.”
We are on the road to help you get cycling!
We have had a busy few weeks visiting employees all over the country to help you get the most out of your Ride2work scheme and get the right bike for you. We had a great day at Fullers Brewers, Chiswick today. Bring on the cycling!
New online hire agreements simplify Ride2Work scheme
To kick-start your New Year we have some great news regarding our Ride2Work scheme administration process, which we think will make your life a lot easier! Our hire agreements can now be completed online, which means the process of joining the scheme and approving participation has been made even easier, and no longer requires any paper forms. What are the benefits?
- It is quicker - Employees can apply to join the scheme and complete their agreement at the same time, through the Ride2Work website. Administrators can view and approve agreements online instantly, meaning certificates can be dispatched quickly.
- It is simpler – No need to print and return paper forms, it can all be done online with emails confirming each step. Agreements can still be emailed or printed as require
- It is flexible – All applications are stored online for future reference and our new reporting functionality gives administrators complete visibility of all applications.
Online hire agreements are completed with a digital signature, which is a legally binding date stamp confirming the employee accepts the terms of the agreement. The administrator also digitally signs the agreement on behalf of the company to complete the contract. To switch your Ride2Work scheme to online hire agreements: Step 1: Login to your scheme administration control panel hereStep 2: Go to Company SettingsStep 3: Tick the box marked “Online Hire Agreements” To learn more about online hire agreements view the new Process Flow Chart in the Assigned Documents section of the administration control panel. If you have any queries regarding this new process or any other aspect of the Ride2Work scheme call our helpline on 01293 572325 or ride2work@evanscycles.com
R2W on the Road with Informa UK
The global media company, Informa UK Limited, has elected to work with Evans Cycles, adding the Ride2Work scheme to their award-winning and comprehensive benefits package. To create awareness of the scheme, six key locations were selected to host benefits events, promoting each of the schemes open to Informa employees. Evans Cycles Ride2Work attended all six events to explain the highlights of the scheme and how employees can sign up, whilst the enthusiastic employees were able to talk about the bikes they intended to buy on the scheme and take home a rare and much sought-after Evans snap-band! Alongside the flyers, catalogues and giveaways, employees were invited to take part in a prize draw to win a £25 voucher to spend in any Evans Cycles store – many congratulations to the winners! Thank you Informa for selecting the Ride2Work scheme and inviting us along! We had a blast!
Evans Cycles are delighted to announce that Venn Group will be launching the Ride2Work program from 1st December 2011. The specialist, professional recruitment firm will encourage staff to travel to work via cycle, with a helping hand from the UK’s Number 1 Specialist Bike Retailer. Staff working throughout the organisation can now benefit from the most effective method of spreading the cost of a new cycle package with great financial and ethical benefits.
VAT Changes and Ride2Work
Following our previous update we are pleased to confirm that HMRC have responded to lobbying by Evans Cycles, and fellow members of the Cycle to Work Alliance, and amended their previous guidance in respect of the addition of VAT to monthly salary sacrifice payments. HMRC have now confirmed that hire agreements entered into on or before 27th July 2011 will be exempt from the requirement to add VAT. The new VAT change now only affects hire agreements signed from 28th July 2011 onwards and thereby greatly reduces the impact on thousands of Ride2Work participants. This change is the result of a European court ruling which means VAT must be charged on the monthly salary sacrifice amount. This is because the period that the employee is paying Salary sacrifice (hiring the bike from their company) is now being viewed as the provision of a service. This service is subject to being VAT accountable.
For further details on the VAT change click here Evans Cycles Ride2Work scheme is the only scheme that allows employees to buy a sale bike and accessories in conjunction with a Ride2Work Certificate. This means you can get a great bike and everything you need to ride to work for even less! Transfer of Ownership – we can now offer a range of options to help you easily manage the end-of-scheme transfer of ownership process. Further details here New online administration system – We have made it even easier for you to manage the Ride2Work scheme at the click of a button. You can monitor and approve all applications from one screen, whilst your employees can apply to join the scheme online. Get your login details here or call 01293 572325 to access your account Email certificates – your employees can now receive their Ride2Work certificate the same day by email, which means they can get their new bike even quicker!
Summer is fast approaching and we hope you are enjoying the long evening rides as much as we are! If the lack of a reliable bike is setting you back, do not fret, by joining the Ride2Work scheme you can save money on a brand new bike and all the accessories you require to cycle to work, plus you can take advantage of our awesome Mid-Season Sale. Crazy Savings Found here! Also keep an eye out for our ‘Deal of the Week’, a purse busting mini deal to give you a little treat. Get your scheme rollingNow that the sun is shining it’s a great time to (re)launch and promote your Ride2Work scheme and get more of your employees cycling to work. Whether your company is a global giant or a small independent we can give you some great support to launch and promote your scheme.
For useful advice on getting your Ride2Work scheme spinning into action click here.
Have you upgraded to our online system? Launched in March our new online system will cut-out the paper work and make it easier for you to manage your Ride2Work scheme. To find out how to access your online account click here
Are you Liable? We bring you expert advice on employer liability and the Ride2Work scheme and who is responsible for the bicycle. Click here for more information
New Hire Agreement templates now available We have updated our standard hire agreement templates to include information on use of safety accessories.
To request a copy of the new hire agreement please email ride2work@evanscycles.com
