Cycle to Work Scheme & Working From Home

[Dadam]

At least 50% of the cycle’s use must be for ‘qualifying journeys’, i.e. commuting to work purposes;

[source: link to gov.uk originally posted on page 1]

50% of the journeys, or 50% of the mileage?
"Qualifying journeys": the clear assumption being that your commute journeys are consistent length which isn't necessarily the case.

My interpretation of that specific wording is that if you ride the bike for 1000 miles, 500 miles must be commuting (or going between offices or client meetings, or popping to the shop for more office stationary). Nowhere I've seen does it say you have to use the bike for 50% of your total commutes. Or 50% of your working days.
With that wording, you could drive the car all year, then just do a week of commutes on the bike. As long as your non-commuting mileage was less than that you'd be golden.

Worms, get back in your can!

It's basically a minor tax dodge that unlike a lot of much more egregious and lucrative tax dodges, has a societal benefit. So nobody cares.

 

[wiggydiggy]

50% of the bike...so there is a restriction on wheelies or conversion to a unicycle?

Hey it their words lol

I only mentioned in my recent meetings as I'd heard annecdotely some people had been advised by the company if they are WFH they cannot apply at all, when in fact they can but they need to follow the rules as laid out.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

As far as I can see then there is naff all checking done

if you clearly WFH all teh time then you are probably pushing it too far

but if you could potentially be using it according to the terms - then you are probably OK
even if in reality you drive to work every day and just use the bike for leisure

 

[kingrollo]

Just do it on the scheme.

The very worst case scenario is that you have to pay full RRP of a bike you were going to buy anyway - if you get away with one the savings are significant.