Cycle to Work outrage

[junglegusset]

I work for Cheshire Probation Service. I wanted to know if they operated the cycle to work scheme and if not wondered if they would consider it. I posted an electronic notice on the computer system asking if anyone knew if the scheme was being operated or not. Several people replied saying they were also interested nd would like to know what my findings were. Then I got an email from the 'Regional Business Manager' saying that Cheshire Probation had 'explored the scheme at some length' and rejected it on the grounds of 'expense and health and safety issues'. She ended her message with 'I hope this clarifys the matter'....well actually no, it doesn't.

So a government body, funded by the government cannot make use of a scheme designed by another government body, which has the intention of improving the health of workforces and reducing damage to the environment. I am furious now, the irony is I only wanted money towards a new helmet! So how has that helped my health and safety? I am more angry though beause I had hoped that in the process I could encourage a few of my colleages to start cycling to work. What a joke.

 

[Bman]

Indeed!

Well I think you've formulated most of your reply to that email in your OP

 

[2Loose]

Health and Safety is used as a huge catch-all excuse lately, sounds like I'd just listen to the expense part and disregard the other bit as BS. Sorry to hear that though.

 

[AdamBlade]

I've had a similar problem at my work. I raised it over 12 months ago and was told that there was unlikely to be enough interest to cover the costs. THat said, I never saw anything go round work to ask peoples opinions.

Someone has since raised it and it's being looked at again. I don't hold out any hope

 

[PBancroft]

Ask them what the Health and Safety issues are.

 

[Potter]

You're not alone. I work for the MoD (say about 300,000 employees) and we are told:

Why is the Cycle to Work scheme not being implemented?
When reviewing the current policy, USofS considered other options, including the Cycle to Work Scheme. The Cycle to Work scheme is not being implemented at this time because there are various limiting factors which it was felt could dissuade new cyclists from committing themselves to taking up cycling. These include the need to use the bike for 50% of journeys to work, for individuals to have to provide their own insurance, liability for injury, and that the bike cannot be used solely for travel between sites.

Interestingly there is however an interest free loan of upto £1k on offer which is even better except that you have to wait for 5 years to use it again...

Bottom line is that it is clearly too onerus to manage the scheme, keep records etc etc.

 

[PBancroft]

You're not alone. I work for the MoD (say about 300,000 employees) and we are told:

Why is the Cycle to Work scheme not being implemented?
When reviewing the current policy, USofS considered other options, including the Cycle to Work Scheme. The Cycle to Work scheme is not being implemented at this time because there are various limiting factors which it was felt could dissuade new cyclists from committing themselves to taking up cycling. These include the need to use the bike for 50% of journeys to work, for individuals to have to provide their own insurance, liability for injury, and that the bike cannot be used solely for travel between sites.

Interestingly there is however an interest free loan of upto £1k on offer which is even better except that you have to wait for 5 years to use it again...

Bottom line is that it is clearly too onerus to manage the scheme, keep records etc etc.

Eh?

Noooooooo... Me thinks they misunderstand. From DfT:-

So, for example, cycling to and from the station to get to work would qualify. In this case, ‘mainly’ means that more than 50% of use of the cycle and safety equipment must involve a qualifying journey.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

I was under the impression that this scheme was at no cost to the employer and the paperwork was reletively straightforward. There is absolutely no excuse for a company or organisation not offering this scheme to it's employees. I think that it is the same old story in that if it doesn't affect or interest them personally they won't want the (perceived) hassle of setting it up. You have my sympathy.

 

[Amanda P]

Interestingly, my employer (also a government agency) refused to consider Cycle to Work for years, trotting out the same lame excuses as junglegusset's.

Then we got a new chief exec who comes to work by train and bike, and suddenly it was no longer a problem.

 

[mr Mag00]

perhaps the MOD should consider to stop people travelling across camps in vehicles a huge reduction in fuel use.

 

[ChrisKH]

My company will never do it as I am one of two commuting cyclists (out of 70 +) and they can't be bothered to run it. Boss is a rabid, anti-cyclist as well so I get the "I nearly got knocked down this morning...." rant every week.

 

[RRCC]

The HSE runs a cycle to work scheme - not a great one because it can't offset the VAT and recovers the finance costs. But no 'elf and safety issues.

 

[skudupnorth]

Not enough interest ???? I work for a large motor dealer network and they took up the scheme which i would have thought would go against their interest but still they did and i have a bike under that scheme....although i am the only one in my dealership to be mad enought to ride in this weather !

 

[MacB]

Interestingly, my employer (also a government agency) refused to consider Cycle to Work for years, trotting out the same lame excuses as junglegusset's.

Then we got a new chief exec who comes to work by train and bike, and suddenly it was no longer a problem.

strange how the immovable can become pliable

 

[ttcycle]

To the OP - if you were really interested in a c2w scheme would you be up for getting one set up/or coordinating it? If there were enough people interested and that depends on the ratio to staff etc it might be worth getting interested names, ask what the H&S issues are and think about possible ways to contest it with stats etc. Would be worth putting a persuasive business case/report together to get out there - only worth doing if a lot of people are interested. If it's important enough you might need to put something in - though tbh governmental bodies might not let a worker run it and it may have to go through HR etc. Worth a try though.