3.4.1 A number of organisations have incentive schemes.

These can take on different forms to suit individual organisational needs. It is possible to provide interest-free loans for up to £5000 to encourage the use of smaller motorcycles. Loans can contribute towards purchase and running costs and be paid back over a period of time, with mutual benefit to the employer and the employee.

Example 1: Orange - Bristol

3.4.2 Orange employees who travel to work by motorcycle can get interest-free loans and are provided with secure covered parking areas and places to change.

Example 2: Pfizer Ltd - Kent

3.4.3 Pfizer Ltd offers a motorcycle training scheme with interest-free loans for people who want to learn to ride a bike safely.

Other incentives can include payment of certain travel expenses.

Example 3: Gatwick Airport - Gatwick

3.4.4 Gatwick Airport set up a working group to examine safety issues and surveyed employees who travelled by motorcycle to identify the problems and concerns they encountered.

The airport has linked up with a rider training organisation to provide safety training for anyone who would like to use two-wheeled transport - whether they are new or experienced riders.

Example 4: Vodafone - West Berkshire

3.4.5 Vodaphone employees are given an allowance of £85 per month to ride to work, and undercover parking spaces are provided for them. Changing facilities and lockers are also available to employees, along with the benefit of a motorcycle user group.

Example 5: GCHQ - Cheltenham

3.4.6 In September 2003, GCHQ moved to new headquarters which replaced more than 50 buildings in and around Cheltenham. As part of its Travel Plan GCHQ is encouraging more staff to use forms of transport other than the single occupancy car.

The new site has 15% less parking spaces. Although half of the organisation was already located in older buildings in the vicinity, the arrival of new staff from the other side of town placed extra pressure on the local road network. About 15% of its 4,500 staff cycle to work and at least 5% use motorcycles - this is set to increase. In association with Gloucestershire County Council, BikeSafe has been promoted at the site and those cycling and motorcycling benefit from secure, preferential parking, lockers and showers and the option of an interest-free loan to purchase machines and protective clothing. All of this contributed to GCHQ winning the Ride to Work Day Motorcycle-Friendly Employer award in 2004.

Example 6: The “Wheels to Work” initiative

Launch the Wheels to Work site in a new window >>

3.4.7 Countryside Agency supports the “Wheels to Work” (W2W), an incentive scheme designed to provide transport solutions to those who experience barriers to employment because of poor public or private transport.The initiatives provided can include a wide range of measures (CA 2002).

3.4.8 There are 55 W2W schemes operating throughout England that offer the loan or rental of motorcycles.Most schemes are aimed at young people aged between 16 and 25 living in rural areas, but some schemes are run for anyone above the age of 16. A contribution of between £1 and £10 to the operation of the motorcycle is often made. All schemes provide compulsory basic training (CBT), insurance and safety/protective equipment. Some offer assistance with licence applications.The loan of the motorcycle usually lasts until the person has succeeded in obtaining their own transport - usually between 3 and 12 months.

3.4.9 Local authorities can lead the way by adopting similar schemes for existing or potential employees. For example, Aberdeen City Council offers loans for motorbike purchases and is formalising parking for motorcycles as part of its Travel Plan.

3.4.10 A ”toolkit” to assist local authorities in implementing a Wheels to Work scheme has been produced: Launch the Wheels to Work site in a new window >>