Cycle to Work

Through the scheme, the Trust buys the bicycle and accessories selected by the employee. Then, over the next 12 months, the Trust hires the bicycle to you, charging you through a salary sacrifice arrangement for the duration of the hire period.

At the end of the hire period, the Trust may transfer ownership to you at a minimal cost, therefore, you would be receiving a benefit in kind which is taxable.

Read our Cycle-to-Work Guidance

Applying is simple just go to www.cycle2work.info to register your interest.

Alternatively, you can call 08450 778850.

You’ll need our employer code which is BHSCTC2W

Once you have your lovely new bike we want to make sure it stays safe while you are at work. That’s why we have secure bike compounds at the following locations:

Royal Hospital

• Children’s Hospital x 2
• School of Dentistry x
• Elliot Dynes x 1
• Plenum x 1
• Kelvin x 1
• Pharmacy x 2
• CDU x 1
• Elliot Dynes Hub (rear entrance) with 32 spaces including shower and change facilities in the adjacent building

Belfast City Hospital

• Security Carpark x 2
• Loading Bay x 1
• Cancer Centre x 1

Wellbeing & Treatment Centres

• Shankill x 1
• Beech Hall x 1

Musgrave Park Hospital

• Rheumatology Car Park

Mater Hospital

• Main Hospital Car Park

Knockbracken Healthcare Park

• Admin Building Car Park

Each compound holds on average 10 bikes and access is gained by entering a key code on the door. For further details contact Travelplan@belfasttrust.hscni.net

To further enhance the benefits for staff cycling to work, Belfast Trust has teamed up with Halfords to bring you cycle2work.

From 2nd April 2013, Halfords have administered Belfast Trust’s Cycle Voucher Scheme allowing us to free up resources to promote and administer other travelling to work initiatives focused on sustainable travel.

Halfords have set up partnerships with around 25 local suppliers across Northern Ireland to ensure that staff can select a bike from a store that is convenient to them and purchase brands that Halfords may not stock.

As well as the tax savings on a new bike and accessories, this partnership with Halfords has the added benefits of a first 6 week service, a 1 year bike care plan and various discounts available to staff.

• 2,000 people have already signed up
• Select the bike that suits you
• Choose from over 40 local bike retailers
• Various additional discounts available
• Change to partnerships with 40 plus suppliers, 3000 plus people already signed up

Consultant nephrologist, Peter regularly Cycles to work, and between the Royal Victoria and Belfast City hospital sites.

• Do your bit to reduce pollution
• Reap the health benefits
• First 6 week service free!
• 1 year bike care plan free!

The Cycle2work voucher promotes greater use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport to encourage healthier journeys and reduce environmental pollution.

It is also a wonderful way of saving money while travelling to work.

With the number of queries on the increase, we thought it would help to outline some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is Cycle2work?

• Cycle2work is an employee benefit backed by the government, which offers the most cost-effective way to get new bike and cycling accessories.
• Halfords provide vouchers to staff
• The scheme operates through a salary sacrifice, which means you will not pay tax or national insurance – saving you between 32% and 42%.
• This reduced cost is deducted out of your payslip over 12 months, so no need to worry about large one-off costs.
• During the 12 months, the bike still belongs to the Trust and ownership is then transferred to the extended hire agreement through Halfords.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Do I have to cycle to work every day?

In short, no. The government guidelines state that you should use your bike and accessories for commuting to work for at least 50% of its usage.

However, you do not have to log your bike’s mileage and we thoroughly encourage you to use your bike in your spare time.

Can I use Cycle2work to get a bike for a family member, partner, or friend?

No, the bike must be used by you for commuting to work.

Can I get more than one bike?

No, the Cycle2work voucher scheme only allows one bike per application.

What is the maximum value I can apply for?

The maximum limit is £1,500, which now includes E-bikes

How do I know how much to apply for?

We recommend that you find your perfect bike and accessories before applying so you know exactly what amount to apply for.

This way, you will not apply for too much or too little. This is important because you cannot amend your application once you have been approved.

Can I apply more than once within the 12 months?

No, you cannot apply more than once within 12 months. However, you can re-apply for another bike after your current scheme deductions have ended.

What bikes and accessories are available?

As per HMRC guidance, you can get any adult bike brands on the UK market. There is also a vast range of safety accessories available for you to choose from, including:

• cycle helmets
• reflectors and lights, including dynamo packs
• bike locks and chains
• mudguards and mirrors
• bags, baskets, phone holders, panniers, and pannier racks
• cycle clothing, shoes, cycle clips and dress guards
• hydration packs, water bottles and holders
• bells and bulb horns
• child safety seats and trailers
• pumps, puncture repair kits, tyre sealant and cycle tools
• bike lube and cleaning equipment
• tyres, inner tubes, and wheels
• pedals, saddles, drivetrain, and brakes
• battery packs and chargers for electric bikes

Can I just get accessories without the bike?

No, you must get a bike under the Belfast Trust scheme

Can I add my own money to my letter of collection?

No, you are not allowed to use your own money to add funds or ‘top up’ your letter of collection.

What happens if an employee leaves their job?

Once signed, the hire agreement is binding following a cooling-off period of 14 working days after collection of the goods.

This means that if an employee leaves their employment during the hire period, they are obliged to pay the remaining salary sacrifice amount in full from net pay, ie. without any tax exemptions.

Will applying for a Cycle2work voucher affect my pension or other benefits?

Potentially. Salary sacrifice reduces gross salary so this may affect pension arrangements and / or other benefits such as statutory maternity or paternity pay, statutory sick pay and working tax credits, as these are calculated on your actual earnings.

If you would like more detail on salary sacrifice and the impact on benefits, this is available on the HMRC website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/specialist/salary_sacrifice.pdf

Can I claim mileage for cycling to work?

You can claim cycle mileage for business journeys through HRPTS Travel Claims – currently set at 20p per mile

For further information, visit the Cycle It section on The Loop.