11 March 2009

Cycle to Work Initiative purchases 250th bike

January 2009 saw the 250th agreement under the University’s Cycle to Work Initiative, one of a number of initiatives in place to help and encourage more cycling.

Dr John Haycock of the Department of Engineering Materials, the recipient of the 250th bike, said, “Buying a bike through the University’s Cycle to Work scheme makes complete sense. The financial savings are huge and the cost is spread over 3 years. You buy from a local supplier - the whole process is very straightforward. You also get fit and you get to work in less time than the car.”

Started in 2005, the Cycle to Work Initiative is run jointly by the Department of Human Resources, the University’s Energy & Environment Team and the Department of Finance, and aims to encourage a more environmentally friendly approach to travelling to work. Through the scheme, staff can save over 40% on the cost of a bicycle and safety accessories, with payments coming directly from salary and being spread over 3 years.

To celebrate reaching this milestone, everyone who has participated in the scheme and all staff who join before 1 May 2009 will be entered into a raffle to win £50 of vouchers from the winner’s choice of one of our four suppliers.

The Cycle to Work Initiative is just one of the schemes that has helped see cycling increase so that nearly 1 in 10 staff regularly cycle to work. The University produces its own cycle map, holds regular Dr. Bike sessions for free advice and servicing, and has over 1,300 cycle parking spaces with more on order.

More information on the scheme can be found at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ctwi and other sustainable transport at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/environment.