Chorley council staff sign up to cycle to work scheme (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley council staff sign up to cycle to work scheme

4:36pm Wednesday 28th July 2010

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STAFF at Chorley Council are being encouraged to get on their bikes and do their bit for the environment.

The council has just signed up to a cycle to work scheme that offers staff the chance to buy new bikes ‘tax free’ for them to use to travel to work.

Councillor Peter Malpas, Chorley Council’s Executive Member (Partnerships and Planning), said: “Encouraging staff to travel to work by bike or other alternatives to the car is just one of many ways we’re trying to reduce our environmental footprint.

“The good thing about cycling is that not only does it reduce carbon emissions it helps to keep staff healthy and this scheme also supports local businesses too.

“I hope this will inspire others to get on their bike or if they live too far away consider car sharing or using public transport when travelling into Chorley.”

Keeping fit, saving money and arriving fresh at work are just some of the benefits of swapping the steering wheel for a handlebars.

Gary Hampson, who works at Chorley Council, is the first to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme and went to see his new bike.

“I like cycling but I’ve not got a decent bike and I saw this as an ideal opportunity to purchase a new one without spending fortunes,” he said.

“When you arrive at work you feel fresh and ready to go and it can be a great stress reliever because it clears your head and makes you feel better about yourself.”

The government scheme works by allowing staff to make payments from their salary before tax and national insurance is deducted meaning they can save up to half the cost towards a brand new bike.

Gary, who currently gets a lift to work and catches the bus home, got his bike from Rivington Cycles, on Market Street, which is just one of several shops to take part in the scheme.

Shaun Liptrot, who runs Rivington Cycles, said: "This is a great scheme - it helps the council because it encourages people to cycle to work and it helps support local businesses like mine because I'm selling bikes that otherwise I might not have done,” he said.

"Cycling is a great way to keep fit and whether you're a keen cyclist or haven't ridden for years there’ll be a bike that’s suitable for you."

The cycle to work scheme is just one of many ways that the council is reducing carbon emissions and encouraging staff to do their bit too.

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