A Brief Overview of Dash Cycle to Work Offerings

The Dash Cycle to Work scheme is a government-backed initiative that enables employees to lease bicycles and cycling equipment through their employer as a tax-free benefit. The scheme operates on a salary sacrifice model, where employees can pay for a new bike and accessories from their gross salary, resulting in substantial tax and National Insurance savings. The scheme is designed to be simple to implement and manage, allowing organisations to offer a comprehensive cycling benefit with minimal administrative burden. Employees can choose from a wide range of bikes, including e-bikes, traditional road bikes, and accessories, making it suitable for a variety of cycling needs.

The Main Benefits for Employees

The Dash Cycle to Work scheme offers several advantages for employees. 

First and foremost, employees can make significant savings on the cost of a bike and cycling equipment. Because the payments are taken directly from their gross salary, before tax and National Insurance, employees can save up to 42% on their cycling costs. 

The scheme also promotes healthier lifestyles. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, and by making it easier to cycle to work, employees can integrate physical activity into their daily routines. This can lead to improved physical health, reduced stress, and better mental well-being. 

Cycling to work is an eco-friendly mode of transport that reduces an individual’s carbon footprint and contributes to a cleaner environment. For employees looking to align their commuting habits with sustainable practices, this scheme is a practical and impactful way to do so.

Employees also enjoy flexibility in choosing the bike and equipment that best suit their needs. Dash works with a wide network of retailers and suppliers, giving employees the option to select from various brands, models, and accessories, including helmets, lights, and locks. 

The Main Benefits for Employers

Employers benefit significantly from offering the Dash Cycle to Work scheme as well. 

Providing this benefit can improve employee recruitment and retention, as cycling support is a highly valued perk, particularly among those interested in health and sustainability. 

Promoting cycling as a mode of transport can also help reduce the number of employees driving to work, which can lead to a reduction in parking costs, traffic congestion, and the organisation's overall carbon footprint.

Financially, the scheme is advantageous for employers as well, as they can save on National Insurance contributions for each employee participating in the scheme. 

Additionally, supporting a cycle-to-work initiative can help reduce sick leave and increase productivity by fostering healthier, more active employees who are less likely to suffer from stress-related health issues. 

Moreover, the scheme aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives by promoting sustainable travel and contributing to environmental goals.

Any Special Features to Highlight

One of the key features of the Dash Cycle to Work scheme is its ease of use. 

• The program is designed to be straightforward for both employers and employees, with Dash handling much of the administrative process. Employers can quickly set up the scheme and offer it to their workforce, while employees can access the benefit through a seamless online platform. The platform provides a user-friendly interface for choosing a bike, applying for the scheme, and managing payments, making the process hassle-free.
• Another notable feature is the broad range of options available to employees. Dash partners with multiple retailers and bike brands, ensuring that employees have access to a variety of bicycles and accessories, including traditional bikes, electric bikes, and specialised gear. 
• Furthermore, the scheme allows for upgrades and maintenance throughout the leasing period, ensuring that employees always have access to well-maintained and safe cycling equipment. 
• The option to select e-bikes is particularly valuable for those with longer commutes or who may need assistance with hilly terrain, offering flexibility to a wider range of participants.

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In summary, the Dash Cycle to Work scheme provides a comprehensive, cost-effective benefit that supports healthier, more sustainable commuting habits. It helps employees save money on cycling equipment, promotes physical activity, and reduces environmental impact, while employers benefit from improved staff retention, reduced costs, and alignment with CSR objectives.