Spanish Government Explores Payment Scheme For Bike Commuters

The government of Spain is exploring options to encourage people to cycle to work and is contemplating different incentives for individuals who use bicycles as their mode of transportation, such as compensating employees.

Riding a bicycle to work has numerous benefits, including improved health, reduced traffic congestion, decreased pollution, and lower healthcare costs for the State.

And for this reason, the Spanish government's "State Strategy for Bicycles" includes a program called "En bici al trabajo" which is aimed at promoting the use of bicycles for transportation due to their positive impact on the environment and human health.

To encourage this program, the government is exploring various options, including a plan to have companies compensate employees who cycle to work, similar to programs in several other European countries.

The Netherlands, for example, increased its state subsidy per kilometre to 21 cents (which can amount to over 1,000 euros annually), while France offers up to 800 euros per year.

The Dutch government provides subsidies for biking, public transport, and cars. This amount compensates for the cost of fuel and public transport and is tax-free, paid by the State through company payrolls. If companies pay more than 21 cents, they must pay taxes on the additional amount.

In Spain, the State Bicycle Strategy aims to modify tax regulations to consider cycling as income from work, similar to company cars, but the Ministries of Finance and Transport have yet to initiate any reforms.

The Spanish campaign is aimed at incentivising employers to encourage their staff to cycle to their place of work, rather than drive.

Larger businesses have been asked to be more flexible with their employees working hours, thus giving them the time to cycle. They have also been asked to provide secure parking and changing and shower facilities for their staff.

These however are only recommendations at the moment and only businesses with more than 500 employees are required to draw up sustainable mobility plans at work.

According to a recent statement from the Spanish government, the bicycle is not merely a mode of transportation, but it also adds value to society in several aspects such as mobility, habitability, health, environment, and socialising. This program aims to provide benefits to both bicycle users and non-users by reducing air and noise pollution while freeing up space.

Spain's Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda has outlined a comprehensive "Bicycle Strategy" that includes aspects such as mobility, health, sports, business development, and tourism, emphasising the numerous benefits of cycling for both individuals and society.

Sources

https://www.thelocal.es/20230222/spain-mulls-paying-workers-who-commute-by-bike/
https://elpais.com/clima-y-medio-ambiente/2023-02-18/cobrar-800-euros-al-ano-por-ir-en-bici-al-trabajo-en-paises-bajos-y-francia-ya-se-hace-en-espana-todavia-es-una-idea.html