Summer!
* The university is opening its cycle2work scheme for the first two weeks of June, the perfect time to buy a bike. If you are employed by the university, this is an opportunity to buy a bike tax-free on a kind of “hire-purchase” from the university:
The scheme involves employees sacrificing a proportion of their salary each month and in return the University will lease to the employee a bicycle and cycling safety equipment. It’s open to all employees who have a minimum of 12 months’ continuous service prior to the date of the start of the scheme, and a contract of employment for at least a further 12 months’ continuous service from that date.
This employee benefit is currently managed externally by Halfords, one of the largest cycle retailers in the UK. Employees will be able to select a bicycle and associated equipment with a value of at least £100 but no more than £1000 and pay the University over a 12 month period, enjoying savings on tax and NI. The University will own the bicycle and any equipment bought under the scheme for the duration of the scheme. At the end of the hire period, employees will be able to buy the bicycle and associated equipment from the University for a “fair market value” (approx. £25 - £35).
For more information, visit: http://www.resource1.soton.ac.uk/hr/working/pay/taxfree/bike.html, or
contact Ana Fernandes, University of Southampton, Human Resources Department, George Thomas Building, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ; e-mail amf@soton.ac.uk or extension number 24054.
* 14-22 June is Bike Week and there are loads of different cycling events on, so have a look through the list at http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php . 17 June is Bike to Work Day, perfect for all those new cycle2work bikes!
* Friday 6 June: Naked Bike Ride: as bare as you dare. Meet at 6pm on the eastern side of Southampton Common, in the clearing next to Highfield Road and opposite the junction with Omdurman Road. Website: http://nakedwiki.org/wiki/Southampton
* Saturday 7 June: Ladies’ 5 miles to Fab: Wear a hat to be noticed and never mind the helmet! The ride will go from the 1000 Bellemoor Rd entrance to Southampton Common. Flat 5 mile cycle ride into the city centre for coffee. Phone Dilys 023 8077 7472 or email cyclewise@aol.com for more information.
* I went cycling in the New Forest for the first time last weekend! The cycling campaign did this route recommended by the Guardian, nearly all off-road, solid tracks which were fine for the Brommie. Lots of ponies. And walkers. Some lovely bits of moorland. And it was good for me to get out after a lot of sitting at home trying to get work done lately, I was quite pleased that I felt as fit as I wanted to. Apparently I cycle like a vegan …
I am not a vegan. I had the goat’s cheese potato for lunch. I love goat’s cheese.
I want to do another long ride now. (Hey I cycled to Brockenhurst as well. Although not back. Anyway, definitely long compared with my mile to the lab).
Oh! University got a new transport manager! Not sure if he’s started yet but welcome Pete when you see him 