Cycle Plus

The University operates a Cycle to Work scheme called Cycle Plus.  Through Cycle Plus you can hire a bicycle (and associated safety equipment) for 12 months completely free of income tax and National Insurance contributions.  The maximum value for the bike and equipment is £1,000.

To take advantage of Cycle Plus you should use the bike for the majority of your journeys to and from work but this does not prevent you from using it for leisure purposes as well. The facilitator for this benefit is Cyclescheme Ltd.

How Cycle Plus works

To take part in Cycle Plus you must agree to a reduction in your salary over a fixed period (12 months) equal to the cost to the University of providing the bike and equipment selected. You do not pay tax or National Insurance on this benefit.

Cycle Plus can be selected by any employee over the age of 18 who has at least 12 months remaining on their employment contract.

Please note that although you do not have legal ownership of the equipment during the 12 month hire agreement it will be your responsibility to adequately insure the bicycle.

If you were to cease employment before the end of the hire agreement, the outstanding balance would be repayable immediately and, if possible, it would be deducted from your last net salary payment. This means that you would not get Tax and National Insurance savings on any outstanding balance.  The bike would remain the property of the University at the end of the hire period.

Eligibility

You can participate in this benefit, provided that you do not earn less than the Pay Protection Limit (see Benefits Plus: frequently asked questions), or, your earnings would fall below the National Minimum Wage. If you participate in any other parts of Benefits Plus then these will also be taken into account when deciding if you can participate in Cycle Plus (see Benefits Plus: frequently asked questions for more details). 
It is not possible to take part in both Parking Plus and Cycle Plus simultaneously.

How do I apply

• Find your local partner shop using our search facility at www.cyclescheme.co.uk
• Visit the shop and choose your bike and safety equipment: you will be given a paper quote
• Enter your quote on-line using Cyclescheme’s secure extranet system at www.cyclescheme.co.uk/54bdd then click on (‘Request a certificate’)
• The University will check your eligibility and approve your request
• The Travel Coordinator will contact you to arrange for you to collect your secure voucher and sign the Cycle Plus conditions sheet
• You redeem the secure voucher in the bike shop upon production of photographic ID

Changing your terms and conditions of employment

Please note that by participating in Cycle Plus you are agreeing to reduce your gross contractual salary by the value of the cycle equipment hired and you are agreeing to a change to your terms and conditions of employment with the University.