As an American commuter, I'm sometimes amazed at how similar are our experiences. I've always fancied UK roads as being much more bike-friendly than ours. But, the more I read this forum, the more I become disillusioned.
The US very recently started a sort of CTW plan, under which an employer can receive a tax deduction for reimbursing cycle commuters up to $20/month, or, for putting in bike racks, showers, etc. So far, I've heard of NO company adopting the plan.
I work for our local power company, at a Substation Dept. works headquarters. Out of about 25 employees there, 3 commute regularly by bike. On a recent visit to our main office building, where SEVERAL HUNDRED people work, I noticed a bike rack with FOUR bikes in it. I'm certain, that out of all those people, far more would ride if the company took steps to make cycle commuting more attractive.
BUT....after speaking to a senior vice-president of the company, who is an avid cyclist, he told me that he doubts that the Human Resources Dept. would have any interest in it, because it would cost more money (read "work") to implement it, than it would return in a tax break.
I had cited the UK's successful CTW plan when I spoke to him, but, now, after reading your letters, I get the impression that very few employers participate in your program. This reaffirms my previous belief that business...especially BIG Business, will do NOTHING for safety, or health, or the benefit of society, unless there are STRONG government regulations being crammed down their throats.
That's ok. I will continue to commute by bike, because it's FUN.
they aren't interested and will not benefit personally from it. I'm seen as mad for cycling in the first place. It has even been said (although not to me personally) that I'm putting myself at risk by cycling. Ultimately there are very few who will take it up even if C2W was on offer. 
