Iompar Castlebar has welcomed the announcement by Mayo County Council this week that it is now implementing the Bike to Work Scheme.
Any employees of Mayo County Council wanting to avail of this scheme should make an application before April 31.
“The rollout of the Bike to Work Scheme in Mayo County Council is really positive and very welcome,” said Thérèse Ruane, chairperson of Iompar Castlebar, a voluntary organisation promoting sustainable travel in Castlebar. “I would really encourage employees of Mayo County Council to avail of this opportunity.”
The scheme, introduced under Budget ’09, allows employees a tax exemption for the purchase of a new bike or associated cycle safety equipment to the value of €1,000.
The HSE introduced the scheme on March 1 last and increasing numbers of employers and employees across the county are signing up. Any employer can register to participate by registering on www.bikescheme.ie “It’s a win win situation for everyone: employees save on income tax and employers saves on employer’s PRSI to the value of the bike or associated cycle equipment,” added Ms Ruane.
“You can play your part in promoting cycling and a healthier workplace and environment for all. The benefits of cycling are obvious. Using your bike is the fastest and most efficient way of getting around in town; a significant shift towards cycling will help our environment; and cycling has huge health benefits — cyclists have a life expectancy several years more than non-cyclists. So, using your bike makes you healthier, saves you time and money - especially if you acquire your bicycle on the Bike to Work scheme.”
