Cycle to Work schemes ‘sucking the lifeblood’ out of bike shops, says leading retailer

Parliamentary committee hears of the need for systemic change to the nationwide scheme

London cycling commuters
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cycle to Work schemes - which allow people to save tax on bikes via 'loaning' them from their employers - are "sucking the lifeblood" out of bike shops, according to a Sheffield-based retailer.

JE James’ Mark James made the comments after a meeting between the Association of Cycle Traders and the All Party Cycling and Walking Parliamentary Group in Westminster this week.

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Tom Thewlis
News and Features Writer

Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine. 

Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered major races elsewhere across the world. As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling.