Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane is calling for renewed efforts and commitment to implement the Bike to Work scheme. Cllr Ruane is calling on Government departments and all employers to register for this scheme and play their part in promoting cycling as a viable means of transport.
“The rollout of the Bike to Work scheme has been a shambles to date,” Cllr Ruane said. “A number of people have contacted me here in Mayo, who want to cycle to work and have tried to access the new scheme through their employers, including Government departments and agencies, and have failed to do so. This isn’t good enough. This scheme, introduced under Budget ’09, is a great scheme which allows employees a tax exemption for the purchase of a new bike or associated cycle safety equipment to the value of €1,000. Any employer can register to participate on this scheme by registering on www.bikescheme.ie ”
Mayo County Council has included a budget allocation for the rollout of this scheme in Mayo this year for the first time. Employees of the HSE will also be able to participate on this scheme from March 1. “This is really positive and welcome,” said Cllr Ruane.
