[L-R] John Sutcliffe, Head of Capital Planning and
Legal Services and Dr Paul Godwin, Consultant
Microbiologist

More Airedale Hospital staff than ever will be cycling to work thanks to a new initiative to be a ‘greener’ employer and have fitter staff.

Airedale NHS Trust has teamed up with Halfords to bring the government initiative Cycle2Work to its entire staff.

The national scheme is being set up so that people all over England can reduce their carbon emissions and become healthier. Whilst cycling to work there will be fewer cars on the road and employers also benefit from fitter, healthier staff. Staff themselves benefit from better health and better bikes because their money goes further.

Roger Pollard, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Airedale NHS Trust says:
“The scheme is to encourage people to use their bikes to commute to work thus reducing their carbon footprint and becoming healthier and fitter. It is a great opportunity to save money on high petrol costs, keep fit and reduce carbon emissions, additionally save money on a brand new push bike”.

The scheme means employees can lease the bike for 12 months as part of a salary sacrifice scheme, so that each monthly payment is taken out of the employee’s salary, and at the end of the 12 months they have the option to buy the bike for the remaining amount - completely Tax and National Insurance free.

Employees will also be able to receive a 10% discount at Halfords on accessories for their bike. Staff can choose from a large selection of bikes and accessories ranging from £100 to £1000.

John Sutcliffe, staff member at the hospital says:
“The scheme’s a great idea, you get a new fantastic bike and you hardly notice the cost. I cycle to work from Crosshills and do feel fitter for it.”

For more information please contact Halfords dedicated Cycle2Work team on 08450 778850