Cycle-to-work scheme brings multiple benefits
OBAN Cycles is encouraging employers to sign up to a cycle-to-work scheme to help alleviate the town’s congestion problem.
Mark Cardwell and Christina Turtle, who took over the shop two years ago, say companies could benefit both financially and from having healthier and more ‘upbeat’ employees.
Speaking about the scheme, Mark said: ‘It’s there to incentivise people to get on bikes and cycle to work. They do that by offering tax savings on bikes. The employer gets to save between 30-40 per cent and pay for the bike over 12 months.’
The couple say they will help any interested businesses sign up to the scheme.
‘People can have a £1,000 bike now,’ Mark added. ‘The more we get people on bikes, the less congested it will be.
‘There’s no need to use a car through the town – you would be quicker on a bike.
‘We do electric bikes as well, which means everyone can cycle around town – even up the hills.
‘If you can get more people on bikes, it will reduce congestion and they will be healthier, which benefits the employer.
‘I have seen how much pleasure it can bring people. They come in with a really upbeat attitude.’
Christina said: ‘I think it’s a fantastic scheme. My first road bike was bought through the scheme and it made it affordable for me. There are lots of different schemes out there. So if any company wants to set up a scheme they can contact us and we will help them.’
Oban Cycles offers bikes on all sides of the spectrum – from £200 to £3,500. They currently stock a wide range of bikes, such as Genesis, Specialised, Cannondale, Giant and Ridgeback. To find out more, visit www.cyclescheme.co.uk, or pop in to Oban Cycles on George Street.