Bike Week - Employers encourage green travel

3:23pm Wednesday 11th June 2008

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Some local employers are reducing carbon emissions and helping staff to get fit by providing bicycles.

Fareham-based Synergy Connections has given every member of staff a bicycle to encourage them to cycle to work and homewares giant Ikea, about to move into Southampton, also provides bicycles for its employees.

Southampton City Council has a fleet of bicycles for staff to use when they need to travel about the city during their working day, including small-wheel folding, full-size and electric bikes - something to suit everybody.

Eastleigh Council also provides bicycles for staff to use and training for those who need a bit of extra confidence before taking to the road.

Staff using bicycles can claim a travel allowance of 20p per mile.

Employees who want to cycle to work can make use of a government scheme too, enabling them to purchase a bicycle through their employer at a saving of almost 50 per cent. The reduced cost can be paid back over 12 months and costs the employer nothing.

The bicycle can be bought from any participating bike shop.

For more information go to cyclescheme.co.uk.

Finally, if you cycle to work you'll want somewhere safe to leave your bicycle. Dale Bostock, Southampton City Counci's cycling officer, can advise your employer on bicycle security and arrange for Sheffield stands to be installed."

Contact Dale on 023 8083 2366 for more information.

By Lindsi Bluemel, chairman of Southampton Cycling Campaign.