Grants, funding and tax allowances

Take A Stand scheme

The Take A Stand scheme is a Transport for London initiative that aims to improve parking for cycling commuters.

Under the initiative, companies are encouraged to draw up travel plans to increase cycling, walking and use of public transport.

TfL can provide free cycle stands for up to 40 bicycles, which can either be bolted down or sunk into the ground. TfL also offer up to £1,000 match funding for facilities including showers, lockers and drying facilities as well as trade price Raleigh bicycles for pool cycle facilities.

In order to qualify for the scheme, employers must draw up a workplace travel plan, which sets out how they will encourage their staff to use sustainable transport such as cycling, walking and public transport.

Free advice on how to apply for the scheme is available from the Workplace Travel Planning Team at TfL on 020 7126 3229.

Cycle To Work scheme

The Cycle To Work scheme is a government initiative designed to get employees cycling to work.

The scheme allows employers to purchases new bikes for staff use - the cost of which is dedicated from employees’ pay via a salary sacrifice scheme. The employer can reclaim VAT on the bikes (if VAT registered) and capital allowances against Corporation Tax.

Mileage allowance

As an employer, you can pay employees up to 20p per mile tax free for using bikes for business travel such as going to meetings or visiting other branches.

You're not required to pay this, but employees can claim the balance as a deduction from their tax, so make sure your staff know about this.

 This allowance doesn’t usually apply to home-to-work travel, although if you require a member of staff to work away from their normal workbase for less than two years then the allowance can be claimed.

Visit the HM Revenue and Customs website for more information on mileage allowances.