BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Following this morning’s announcement of the ‘Cycle to Work Guarantee’ – a Government-led challenge to employers to be more cycle friendly, which over 70 major employers have already signed up to – Halfords has given its backing to the initiative.
The national retailer – which asserts that it sells a third of all cycles in the UK – said that that 15 per cent of all UK bike sales are made through Cycle to Work – a scheme that has grown by 50 per cent in just 12 months, according to the chain.
Halfords said that it welcomed the Cycle to Work Guarantee and predicted that it would drive cycling uptake, particularly through more firms providing better cycle facilities.
“Increased tax on company cars and cities introducing restrictions on parking and congestion charges as well as Team GB’s heroics in Beijing have helped persuade more people than ever to swap their car keys or travel cards for a bike – and save themselves hundreds of pounds a year,” said Carl James, Halfords’ Cycle2Work business services manager.
“This new Government initiative announced today will mean more employers and their employees can take advantage of the benefits of the scheme. There are so many benefits to cycling both in terms of enjoyment and health, and the added financial incentive means there is no excuse not to get on your bike.”
UPDATE: Some industry figures have voiced concerns about the accuracy of Halford’s claim that 15 per cent of all UK bike sales are made through Cycle to Work.
