A SOFTWARE design company is encouraging its staff is encouraging its staff to cycle to work with the offer of a cheap bike.

thecitysecret, in Richmond, has teamed up with local retailer, Arthur Caygill Cycles, to supply discounted bicycles and cycling equipment to its workforce.

The initiative takes advantage of tax breaks provided by the Government, which enable companies to loan bikes to staff as part of an employee benefits packages. In return, the employee makes a nominal monthly payment. At the the end of the loan period they can purchase the bike from the employer at a much lower price than its original retail value. Martin Worner, director of thecitysecret, said:

"We are really keen to promote this initiative among staff"

"The company is deeply committed to practising green business activities and using your bike to get to work helps reduce road traffic pollution and congestion. It is also a great way to keep fit and healthy."

Mr Worner added:

"We feel that it is very important to support local businesses and for this reason have chosen to get our bikes from another Richmond-based company"

Employee Pete Scales has recently taken delivery of a new mountain bike. He said: "Cycling to work is one way of incorporating exercise into my daily routine and I also arrive in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to start the day."