Got this piece through the staff magazine:
Did you know that if you travel on Council business by bike, you can claim a cycling allowance for your journeys?
Walking and cycling is being promoted as part of the Council's Sustainable Travel Plan, to reduce the environmental impact of travel and to encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Cycling is a fast, efficient way of travelling on shorter journeys, particularly if you have a meeting, visit or inspection around the city centre. You can receive a payment of 25p per mile and there is an easy online claim system.
Euan Renton, a policy officer who developed the Sustainable Travel Plan, says “Cycling, whether to and from work or on Council business helps keep you fit, can relieve stress and boost your creative energies. It’s often the quickest way to travel too because parking is easier and there are numerous short cuts and cycle paths that cars and buses can’t use.
People might be concerned about getting too hot cycling in their work clothes but if you keep the speed down it's fine.”
Allotment officer Ian Woolard has been cycling at work for the past 15 years. Not only does he cycle to and from his home in Kingsknowe to his office in Inverleith, but he is also able to get around by bike as he visits the city’s many allotment sites.
“It’s a brilliant policy and the 25p a mile gives you that bit of incentive,” says Ian. “Cycling is much easier than using the car as most sites are close together, and have a good path network linking them.
“Obviously cycling is not suitable when it’s raining but the number of times it disrupts my plans is surprisingly few.
“My best advice for anyone thinking of cycling to work or on Council business, is get a reasonable priced bike with the best puncture proof tyres you can buy. I have learned over the years that these are a really worthwhile investment.”
If you think cycling on Council business could help you in your work, there are more details on the intranet.