ACT joins forces with Cycle to Work Alliance to reform C2W
A positive turn in the cycle to work reform saga has seen two major players find common areas of interest and join forces to push for change. The Cycle to Work Alliance (C2WA) is of now working together with the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) to accelerate positive reform and expansion of the Cycle to Work Scheme.
United by a shared commitment to promoting cycling accessibility, both the C2WA and the ACT seek to enhance the critical role of the Scheme, the perspectives of independent bike retailers, and the collective endorsement for reform. As the cycle market confronts challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic, the collaboration reflects the C2WA and ACTs dedication to the expansion of the Scheme to support retailers, scheme providers, and potential cyclists.
To drive forward reforms to the Scheme, the C2WA and ACT are pleased to be working together towards the following objectives:
- Unlocking the Scheme for those on low incomes, National Minimum Wage and the self-employed to ensure equitable access to cycling.
- Working with the government and industry to simplify and minimise administrative barriers, making it easy and attractive for organisations to offer and employees to utilise the Scheme.
Chris Last, Chair of the C2WA, said: “Improving and growing the market to support retailers, scheme providers, and prospective cyclists is what collectively drives us and our priorities for reform.
As we celebrate 25 years of the Cycle to Work Scheme – which has helped over 2 million employees take up cycle commuting, saving employees up to 42% off the cost of a new bike – the Alliance wants to go further to break down barriers to cycle commuting and is pleased to be working in collaboration with the ACT to ensure the Scheme not only meets the current needs of the market, but also evolves to help more people enjoy the benefits of accessing a bike.”
The Cycle to Work Alliance and its individual members will continue to engage with the Association of Cycle Traders to discuss the experiences of independent bike retailers, both organisations eagerly anticipate ongoing discussions on the scheme’s contributions and the collaborative efforts required to propel it forward for the benefit of all stakeholders.
There’s a more detailed statement from the duo too:
The Cycle to Work Alliance and the Association of Cycle Traders have identified common areas of interest around Cycle to Work reform. Both parties are committed to working together to drive forward positive change opening up Cycle to Work to more people and to grow the cycle market for all.
The Cycle to Work Alliance and Association of Cycle Traders held positive and productive discussions on the contribution of the scheme, the views of independent bike retailers and the collective support for reform.
Both organisations are united in recognising that the scheme plays an important role in the cycle market which has faced a challenging time following the pandemic. Improving and growing the market to support retailers, scheme providers and prospective cyclists is what collectively drives us and our priorities for reform.
As we look to the next 25 years of the Cycle to Work Scheme, we want to go further to break down barriers to cycle commuting by:
- Unlocking the scheme for those on low incomes, National Minimum Wage and the self-employed to ensure equitable access to cycling.
- Working with the government and industry to simplify and minimise administrative barriers, making it easy and attractive for organisations to offer and employees to utilise the scheme.
The Cycle to Work Alliance and its individual members will continue to engage with the Association of Cycle Traders on the experience of independent bike retailers to ensure the scheme works for everyone. The Alliance and Association of Cycle Traders are committed to working together in our shared interests and look forward to ongoing discussions about the scheme, its contribution and how it can be taken forward for all.
Chris Last, Chair of the C2WA
Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT
