Staff bike scheme gives retailers £147,000 boost

BIKE retailers across the county have been given a boost of more than £147,000 in business thanks to a Cycle to Work scheme.

Twenty retailers in the county provide goods on behalf of the Derbyshire County Council salary-sacrifice scheme.

It was set up a year ago to help staff earn themselves a brand new bike and safety equipment up to the value of £1,000.

So far, 276 staff have signed up. They make monthly payments taken directly from their salary and save on income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Councillor John Allsop, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for technology and recycling, said the scheme kept staff fit and helped the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road.

He said: "It's proving popular with staff and that means a welcome boost for the retailers, too."

Among those taking part is technician Anne Wareing, who cycles nine miles each day from her home in Ambergate to County Hall in Matlock.

She said she felt daunted by the change from driving her car at first but now thought it was "great".

She said: "I feel fitter and my fuel bill has been reduced by around 50%."