Cycle to Work scheme

We're a member of the government's Cycle to Work scheme, which allows staff to apply for a loan that can be used to hire a bicycle from approved retailers. At the end of the rental period, you'll have the option to purchase the bicycle. Because the loan is deducted via salary sacrifice, you'll benefit from tax reliefs and a reduced rate of National Insurance, providing average savings between 26-40% compared to retail prices.

What can I get?

As part of the scheme, you can include almost anything you need to commute by bike. This might include the bike itself (including e-bikes), clothing, parts, accessories and tyres. 

Where can I shop?

You can choose to shop from over 2000 retailers nationwide, either in-store or online. You can visit the Cyclescheme website for a full list of retailers.

How do I apply?

Applications are now open and can be made directly on the Cyclescheme website. If you need any support, you can contact hrpolicyandreward@imperial.ac.uk

Santander Cycles

The Cycle to Work scheme has now expanded to include London's ubiquitous Santander Cycles! Staff are now able to apply for an annual membership through Santander cycles via salary sacrifice, which provides a discount of between 26-40%. 

Santander Cycles allow you to pick up and drop-off bikes from hundreds of spots around London, with an annual membership providing you unlimited access to journeys below 30 minutes. Find out more about membership on the TfL website. Applications can be made directly on the Cyclescheme website. You can also find out more with the Cycle to Work - Santander Cycles Guide. 

Frequently asked questions

Each application needs to be checked for eligibility before it can be approved. Your application will be reviewed and approved (or declined if not eligible) within seven working days.

Unfortunately it’s not possible to do this: only one loan can be held at a time per employee, and it’s not possible to change the amount applied for once an application is made. If you need to change the amount you are applying for, you'll need to cancel your application and make a new one for the new amount.

If you leave during your hire period, the remaining balance due on your loan is taken from your final month’s net pay. Cycle Scheme will then contact you with your bike purchase options.

Any loan must be paid off i.e. the 12-month hire period has been completed before another application is made; it is not possible to have more than one at the same time. This also means it is not possible to purchase from two different retailers using the same loan, as each loan must be used at one retailer only.

However, it is possible to have a cycle loan and membership of the Santander Cycle scheme at the same time.

The maximum loan amount is £3,000. It is not possible to part-purchase items via the scheme and part-purchase with your own funds, so this means the scheme can only be used to buy bicycles and equipment totalling this amount or less.

Unfortunately, due to the mechanism through which it is administered (salary sacrifice), the scheme is only available to employees of the College.

If you take family leave (maternity, adoption, surrogacy, paternity and/or shared parental leave), the Cycle to Work repayments would continue as normal while you are on full pay (if you are eligible for the College scheme which entitles to 18 weeks at full pay). During any statutory and/or unpaid leave periods, the Cycle repayments would pause for this time until you returned to work again on your normal salary.

We're aware that current consumer demand for bicycles is high. Cycle Scheme have put together some information to help you on their website. You can also contact their bike finder team via email for assistance.