Green Party TD Steven Matthews has said that changes to the Cycle to Work scheme will make cycling more affordable and accessible for workers and families across County Wicklow. From 1 January 2023, employees whose employers are registered with the Bike-to-Work scheme can avail of up to €3,000 to purchase cargo bikes and associated equipment such as helmets, bells and lights tax-free. Cargo bikes are larger than standard bikes and can carry more than one person. Speaking following the announcement from the Department of Finance, Deputy Matthews said:
“This is wonderful news for all of us who would like to leave the car behind and cycle more often to work, school and other activities. Cycling is an excellent way to keep active, spend less on transport costs, reduce our carbon emissions and meet our objectives under the Climate Action Plan.
“As announced in the Finance Bill 2022, the threshold for purchasing a cargo bike under the cycle-to-work scheme will be doubled from €1,500 to €3,000 from January 2023. This will help more people to purchase cargo bikes, which are typically more expensive than standard bikes or even electric bikes. Cargo bikes can be used for shorter journeys including shopping trips and to bring children to crèche/school as an alternative to the car.
“The Green Party is committed to increasing access to cycling and active transport for people across the country and we are delivering on this in Government. In addition to increasing supports available under the Bike to Work scheme, we have launched the Pathfinder project which will provide funding for 35 walking, cycling and public transport projects including one I was proud to support in County Wicklow. If anyone would like to find out more about the Pathfinder project for Wicklow or the Cycle to Work scheme, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any support I can”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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