A new wave of the popular ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme is currently being organised by Reading Buses.

The scheme is an initiative which Reading Buses is again running with Evans Cycles which means that employees are able to save up to 42% off the cost of a new bike.

“Our first period using the cycle to work scheme was hugely successful,” said Caroline Anscombe, Reading Buses HR Director.

“We had 40 people sign up and buy bikes to help them not only travel to work, but also to keep healthier in their spare time too.”

The company is encouraging employees to think about how they travel to and from work – especially if they start when there are no buses running or live in areas which are not accessed by public transport.

With the launch of their core values in December, Reading Buses say that cycling to work fits neatly into the ‘staying fit and healthy’ category.

“We obviously encourage our employees to travel in by bus whenever they can, but we know that some people like to use their commute as part of their fitness regime and we certainly support this,” said Caroline.

“Whilst the scheme is designed to be used as part of their commute to work, we encourage anyone who takes up this offer to consider using their new bike to keep healthier in their day to day life too.”

Said Jack Betteridge of Evans Cycles: “Reading Buses has played a key role in making the scheme launch a success. They have supported a range of marketing activities and invested in cycling infrastructure.

“That’s why they have achieved over 7% take-up in the first enrolment which is an absolutely great start.”

Added Caroline: “Using the scheme enables people to not only spread the cost, but also to have a wider choice of bike which they might not otherwise be able to justify buying.

“And having a bike with a better specification might also encourage more people to cycling in their leisure time too – who knows we could be inspiring a new Bradley Wiggins.”

Reading Buses has already provided some extra facilities to encourage more cycling to work.  These include:

• a locked bike shelter to supplement their original bike park
• a recently marked out dedicated cycle way in and out of the depot to ensure cyclists are out of the way of moving vehicles