The soaring cost-of-living means it’s a worrying time for many workers across the UK. Energy prices have risen to unprecedented levels and are set to increase further. The cost of food is rising and tough decisions are being taken by families as they choose between heating and eating.

Transportation costs are increasing with car ownership becoming more expensive as insurance premiums rise and fuel costs soar. Public transport is also facing a huge surge in ticket prices. Many employees are struggling with the cost of commuting.

Simultaneously, organisations are facing pressure to achieve Net Zero status but addressing the climate emergency means more than just switching to electric vehicles. Multiple studies warn that driving overall must be reduced to hit climate targets.

Although sustainable and active transport modes may not be practical in every situation, if more people choose cycling or walking for short journeys, we will start to see a difference. Roads will become safer, less congested and easier to use for those that need to. The quality of the air we breathe will improve, our mental and physical health will benefit, as will the health of planet Earth.

Employers need to encourage their workforce to make positive changes to their commuting habits and the Cycle to Work Scheme is an obvious first step in the mission to ditch the car. Getting to work under their own steam will help employees make significant savings at the same time as improving their health, and that of the environment.

Green Commute Initiative’s Cycle to Work Scheme gives access to significant savings of 33.25% to 48.25% on any type of cycle. The amount saved depends on the employee’s tax bracket and personal circumstances. The salary sacrifice payments come from the employee’s gross salary, reducing their tax and NI obligation which is how they make the savings. The interest free payments can be spread over 3 to 48 months making it a very manageable monthly expenditure for employees.

Green Commute Initiative (GCI) has made the accessing the Cycle to Work Scheme easy and hassle-free. GCI does not have any unnecessary ‘ownership fees’ thus helping employees make the maximum possible savings available to them. GCI typically has a 24-hour turnaround time on orders. When more people cycle, everyone wins including the environment. Green Commute Initiative is a not-for-profit social enterprise with a vision for a cleaner and healthier future for everyone.

Why not get in touch? E: info@greencommuteinitiative.uk Tel: 020 3740 1836 Twitter: @greencommuteuk

This article originally featured in the July/August issue of London Business Matters Magazine.