Clean Air Strategy – Cycle to Work Schemes

Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to the nation’s health in the UK. It makes us more susceptible to respiratory infections and other illnesses, and we estimate that the actions outlined in defra’s Clean Air Strategy could cut the costs of air pollution to society by £1.7 billion every year by 2020, rising to £5.3 billion every year from 2030.

Defra’s Clean Air Strategy demonstrates the government’s determination to improve our air quality, setting goals that are even more ambitious than EU requirements because it is vital to do all that we can to reduce people’s exposure to toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by 2020 and 2030.

This Strategy complements three other UK government strategies: the Industrial Strategy, the Clean Growth Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan. It sets out the action that is required from Local Authorities, Councils and other Public Sector Organisations to meet these goals.

Public Health England estimates that between 2019 and 2025, the total cost of poor air quality to the NHS and Social Care will be £1.69 billion.

Pedal Power: Boosting Health and Air Quality with Ride-to-Work Schemes

Dealing with poor air quality in all its forms is a priority for local authorities, councils, NHS trusts and the wider public sector so you need to act now. Cycle to Work schemes are an incentive aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to work, thereby reducing air pollution and improving their health. The scheme allows employees to benefit from a long-term loan of bikes and commuting equipment such as lights and locks completely tax-free and employers benefit from fitter, punctual, energised staff.

Cycling is proven to improve health and happiness. It’s also a supremely reliable and cost-effective mode of transport. Add in tax-free monthly payments on a new bike and/or kit through Ride-to-Work, and something already good becomes truly great.

Happier and healthier employees also mean better businesses, whatever size or type, so we’ve made Ride-to-Work simple to set up, with minimal admin requirements. Making your employees happy and healthy has never been so easy. With an easy set-up process, minimal admin and a dedicated support team, something that’s already great for individuals becomes truly glorious for everyone.

The Green Commute Initiative is transforming how we approach sustainable travel by offering a comprehensive cycle-to-work scheme designed to support clean air strategies across the UK. Their focus is on promoting zero-emission commuting through the use of e-bikes, reducing reliance on cars, and cutting down on harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. As a not-for-profit organisation, Green Commute Initiative is also free from the £1,000 spending cap, allowing employees to access high-quality bikes that better suit their needs. By choosing Green Commute, businesses and individuals alike can take actionable steps toward achieving greener, healthier environments.

For more information on how Green Commute Initiative can support your clean air goals, you can contact them directly:

Join the initiative today and help make a positive impact on air quality while enjoying the benefits of sustainable travel!

Green Commute Initiative-Cycle to Work Schemes- Clean Air Strategy

Cycle-to-work schemes are available here on Public Procurement Online.