Tax-free bikes for cycling to work - how do I do it?

[Blu]

Does my employer HAVE to be registered with a specific scheme? Do I have to get the coucher in advance? Does it have to take ages?

The Olympics has finally persuaded me I need to do this - I want a Decathlon bike, and want it soon!

Thank you!

Hiya, I've just got a bike on the cycle to work scheme, your employer has to be registered, I work for local council, ask your employer if they are registered.

I went into my local bike shop, picked my pick and got a written quote, then entered this into the website, waited for it to get approved then the voucher came through the post within 3 weeks.

I then phoned the bike shop he then got the bike in, he delivered it and I handed him the voucher, the whole thing took about 6 weeks, I pay £56 a month out of my pay for 12 months

HTH

Thank you!
Was the three week wait for approval down to your employer - the council - taking that long to approve it? Or does the gvt take that long to request approval from your employer? Or is the delay waiting for the voucher from the government, even if your employer approves straight away?

I need this bike quickly - but at least I can cut down the delivery time as I want a Decathlon bike which will be in stock and I can pick it up.

How funny, just looking into this. Hoops can I ask - did you use your bike for its specified purpose, ie biking to work? I was thinking of doing this scheme but for a bike for dp, who will be using it evenings/weekends rather than to work.

Not sure how naughty this is/if I might get into trouble...

My dh got a bike through the cycle to work scheme. We live a 60 mile round trip from his work but they still let him get it. He has cycled to work a few times and also sometimes takes train and cycles the 3 miles back and forth from station.

This year he got me a bike through the scheme and it was no problem. Took about 2 weeks from picking bike to getting it.

Anyone know what is allowable under accessories?

Helmet is.
Locks? High Vis jacket? Panniers?

I guess a bike carrier for the car would not be as that kind of defeats the object....

The 3 week wait was the voucher actually getting to me, yes I use my bike for work, not really sure how they can check.