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New pub/commuter bike, dragged out of garage and reassembled with new forks.
I didn't. It wasn't meant for people like us.
It wasn’t meant for people like us.
Eh?
The scheme is open to anyone in England who has an unused cycle in need of a repair.
I didn't bother attempting to register. And I suspect that it wasn't intended for me.
Given the number of people on here happy to use the cycle to work scheme to buy bikes that are never cycled to work I find this quite funny!!
Nah mate, it was meant for people who can't afford it, can't do it, to repair their broken bikes. Not for middle class people who felt they should have free money.
Just because it's there doesn't mean we all should accept it.
Didn’t even know this was a thing. Surely if it’s open to anyone with a bike in need of repair then it’s as worded. Does it mention that it’s not for certain people in the terns or something? Some sort of mechanical knowledge or income related section in the application?
Just because it’s there doesn’t mean we all should accept it.
Ok, fair enough I assume you go out of your way to maximise the tax you pay and ISA's are not for you?? 😃😃😃😃
Ok, fair enough I assume you go out of your way to maximise the tax you pay and ISA’s are not for you
Think of it more as using food banks. It's there for people who need it, you don't walk in to grab a snack because you're peckish.
I thought these vouchers were issued in limited numbers? Didn't look into it myself, but that seems different to ISAs or Cycle to Work, which aren't first come first serve.
Was the scheme there to boost business to bike shops, or to target people onto bikes?
I guess the policy driver behind the scheme was to incentivise people to get previously neglected bikes back into roadworthiness for reasons such as to provide an alternative to taking the transmission risk of using public transport.
Which is (in part at least) what the OP has done so fair play.
I agree Weeksy that morally we shouldn’t all be going out of our way to get the taxpayer funding the servicing of our expensive weekend toys, but it’s hardly the same as stealing food from people’s mouths
Yep, I have a shed full of tools, toys, some free time and wouldn't consider myself a deserving case.
These vouchers were intended for those with a broken bike (and not a spare pub bike), affected by the CV19 (job losses and furlough) without the resources to fix it. I don't know if you fall in that category OP, but using the scheme to fix up a 2nd bike (if that's what you did) is a bit shoddy even if the rules allow for it...
You could always redeem yourself by loaning it to someone in need perhaps?
Was the scheme there to boost business to bike shops, or to target people onto bikes?
The latter I believe.
Nah mate, it was meant for people who can’t afford it, can’t do it, to repair their broken bikes. Not for middle class people who felt they should have free money.
Just because it’s there doesn’t mean we all should accept it.
This. ^^^^
Yep, I have a shed full of tools, toys, some free time and wouldn’t consider myself a deserving case.
And this. ^^^^^^
can we define middle class? Is it based on income or lineage?
define it how you like, but taking unnecessary advantage of that voucher scheme breaks rule 1.
misuse of BtW does also.
I agree Weeksy that morally we shouldn’t all be going out of our way to get the taxpayer funding the servicing of our expensive weekend toys, but it’s hardly the same as stealing food from people’s mouths
At the risk of invoking baby Robbins etc, that voucher might have gotten a laid off single parent out for a ride with their kids or able to do their shopping by bicycle, rather than renewing a pub bike for someone who (presumably) already owned a working bike...
So no, not quite on par with robbing a food bank, but certainly taking resources intended for those in more genuine need.
It's easy to compare it to other schemes and benefits but this particular voucher was introduced specifically for those without the resources to get more mobile as part of the CV19 response...
I'll accept that (like many of their policy choices) the government's own blurb and promotion of the scheme was somewhat muddled and open to interpretation, but a lot of us middle-class bicycle nerds did figure out that it wasn't really meant to help us get to the boozer...
The scheme is open to anyone in England who has an unused cycle in need of a repair.
Doesn't seem too muddled to me, and having used my own internet, computer and setting up a home office in order to do my government job during covid I don't feel at all guilty, I think the hand wringing from those on here hilarious tbh.
can we define middle class? Is it based on income or lineage?
Ownership of a superfluous camper van?
You've really zeroed in on the class thing haven't you. OK then I'm sure you're a salt of the earth working class, honest as the day is long type fella... How many bikes do you own, including your now rehabilitated Lava dome?
As for C2W, that was also originally intended to help people without as much disposable income get cycling to work, funnily enough it also became a handy salary sacrifice/taxable income reduction dodge for middle-upper income types.
ISAs and investment funds are of course an option for all, but perhaps more of an opportunity for those able to bypass other outgoings, like (for example) paying out fifty quid to fix a neglected bike...
Doesn’t seem too muddled to me, and having used my own internet, computer and setting up a home office in order to do my government job during covid I don’t feel at all guilty
I think the hand wringing from those on here hilarious tbh.
Nobody has been wringing their hands, they were too busy fixing their own bikes and placing a laptop on the dining room table...
Doesn’t seem too muddled to me
I agree, pretty clear.
<h2 id="eligibility">Eligibility</h2>
The scheme is open to anyone in England who has an unused cycle in need of a repair.However, as there are a limited number of vouchers available, please consider the needs of others before applying for a voucher and do not delay making planned repairs outside of the scheme should your circumstances allow it.
define it how you like,
Ok I define it as any 40% tax rate payer, I' therefore not middle class..
However, as there are a limited number of vouchers available, please consider the needs of others before applying for a voucher and do not delay making planned repairs outside of the scheme should your
I used it straight away.
Ownership of a superfluous camper van?
I don't have a camper van, its a caravan, paid £500 for it about 6 years ago, use it for family holudays
I used it straight away
I suspect your comprehension of the paragraph is better than that
sweet, nor am im then.
rule 1 applies to everyone tho.
Ok I define it as any 40% tax rate payer, I’ therefore not middle class..
You mean the bracket HMRC call "Higher rate" ?
How is life down t' mine?
ISAs and investment funds are of course an option for all, but perhaps more of an opportunity for those able to bypass other outgoings, like (for example) paying out fifty quid to fix a neglected bike…
That's some hardcore mental gymnastics. So if I had more money in an ISA or an investment fund I could save more and not use a fix my bike voucher. Brilliant, shame I haven't enough money to do one but do have too much to use the other.
What's the current going rate for an ISA I have about 5k in one, it was 0.5% but I got a letter yesterday saying it had gone down to 0.3%. how much would I need to have in it to save £50 in tax. Even at the higher rate I'd need what twice as much just to make £50 interest!
How is life down t’ mine?
Good thanks, got my commuter/pub bike fixed up..
I don’t see that the OP has done anything wrong. I’ve read a lot of government grant guidance over the past 12 months and if they wanted to narrow down the fix your bike voucher to more specific criteria they definitely could have done so. I’d say it was left very open intentionally. It has been targeted to the entire population partly to help bike shops and partly to get more second hand bikes into the market seeing as there is a shortage of new ones. The OP has helped the bike shop. Somebody else might get an old bike repaired and sell to somebody who needs a cheap bike or can’t buy a new one due to lack of stock. It may also be used by people struggling financially, due to COVID or not, to repair and use their old bike. All positive.
I think I could spend all day baiting you over your notions about social class and interpretation of who certain benefits and schemes are intended for.
But I've got various middle-class things to go and do like riding one of my various bicycles or counting my vast accrued wealth, all while laughing maniacally to myself...
It is a lovely old Kona by the way, enjoy...
I got my mrs' mountain bike fixed after she ditched it on Ilkley moor and bent the cassette. She doesn't have the time or the knowledge to fix it, and it meant she couldn't go out for a ride with her friend after work.
She and I are definetly not 'working class' - and I can spanner comfortably - but I live 250 miles from her and she's a doctor doing shift work. It encouraged her to get it fixed. She now rides. Before the voucher, she just saw it as a pit of stress and worry.
I wouldn't have taken a voucher for myself.
I think I could spend all day baiting you over your notions about social class and interpretation of who certain benefits and schemes are intended for
Feel free, I find it all very funny!!
can we define middle class? Is it based on income or lineage?
It's if you order a fish supper at the chipper or not..... it seems.
singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/sick-squid-for-a-fish/
Is the use of the word ‘Supper’ for a meal in the evening very much a middle class thing? To me ‘supper’ is a slice of toast or a bowl of cereal before bed
Just for balance:
Im looking forward to using mine. I see it as a good way of helping my LBS.
Sod morals and being too middle class 🙂
Think of it more as using food banks. It’s there for people who need it, you don’t walk in to grab a snack because you’re peckish.
This is my train of thought on it as well.
If it’s to fix your ‘pub’ bike you don’t need it. Could you afford to or have fixed it yourself? It’s not for you.
If it’s to fix your ‘pub’ bike you don’t need it. Could you afford to or have fixed it yourself? It’s not for you.
It will be a commute bike on a daily basis. My new work doesn't have covered parking so don't like using my Diverge. I used the voucher to get the new headset fitted. Don't have a headset press and don't like bodging it. Other than that I paid for new cables, had some brake blocks and tyres and took the chain, cassette and chainset off my main mtb which has a shiny new 1x10 that looks quite funny on another old 26er.
@anagallis_arvensis I saw somebody riding a bike identical to that this morning near Westcott in Surrey. Was that you?
No I'm near Newbury, taking it out shortly with my son
!
Lovely Kona 👍
At the start of lock down 1 I had taken a 30% pay cut and was borrowing money off family to get by. Things are fine now thankfully, but it didn’t occur to me to use the voucher as I fix my own bikes and buy bits 2nd hand or in sales to keep my bikes going. I never considered using it, but if I had to take my bike to the LBS for everything I might have.
We don’t know peoples individual circumstances, and I bet some of the really wealthy ones on here have accountants that will use legal tax avoidance that makes £50 seem like a laughable amount.
I see it as a good way of helping my LBS.
By giving them extra paperwork and having to wait to get their £50? I'd rather have customers paying for my time in the old fashioned way if I was a bike shop, especially at the moment when workshops can be booked up for weeks.
Ok I define it as any 40% tax rate payer, I’ therefore not middle class..
If you earn say 30-40k a year you are totally middle class in my eyes which would put you in the 20% bracket. 30k a year is a lot of money even 40k a year is a lot of money. Taking this statement as black and white means im middle class and my partner isn't despite her being a clinical psychologist and me just a designer.
I see it as a good way of helping my LBS.
All the LBS’s around here are nearly as busy as guitar shops. They sure as hell haven’t needed any help over the past year or so.
Rule 1
Why do people think the voucher scheme has anything to do with income?
The form doesn't ask any questions about income.
If it was to do with income then the Department for works and pensions would have administered them to people on low incomes and then investigated all the fraudulent claims.
Its simply to motivate people to get the bike out of the shed, get it fixed and do some exercise for fun or cycle to work.
Why do we have to judge?
Its simply to motivate people to get the bike out of the shed, get it fixed and do some exercise for fun or cycle to work.
Correct, so not most folk on here then.
Correct, so not most folk on here then.
Are we sure most folk in here ride bikes and just don't read about riding bikes?
At least the ops using his bike.
It will be a commute bike on a daily basis. My new work doesn’t have covered parking so don’t like using my Diverge.
Not sure ‘get financial help fixing your second bike to protect your nice one’ was the intent of the scheme.
Why do people think the voucher scheme has anything to do with income?
The form doesn’t ask any questions about income.
Correct, form doesn't say anything about income. However I guess people assume if the vouchers are hard to get / limited numbers they should be left to those in need more. For example someone how genuinely cant afford to fix their bike rather than someone whos just using it to get a few quid off their bill.
Personally, I couldn't care less if its within the rules its within the rules. I tried to get a voucher site had crashed, or they had all been given out so didnt bother trying again.
Why do we have to judge?
Have you not been here long!!!
if the vouchers are hard to get
Wasn't at all, I got mine sort of as a by product of showing a pupil what his mum and dad would need to do to get one to get his Stinky fixed.....his parents didn't bother though, must be middle class 😜
income. However I guess people assume if the vouchers are hard to get / limited numbers they should be left to those in need more. For example someone how genuinely cant afford to fix their bike rather than someone whos just using it to get a few quid off their bill.
Who is marshaling the scheme to make sure no one gets a code who doesn't need it? Noone. Do we think everyone in Britain will have these standards? Absolutely not, the website crashed because everyone wanted a code. We even had a thread about it on stw.
The government risk assessed it. They worked out how much it would cost to administer, what it would cost to investigate if they made it means tested and decided that it wasn't worth it for the couple of million they put aside and just made it a free for all.
A better fairer system would be to reduce the tax on bike parts but that would cost a significantly more than the token effort they put forward for this.
I wonder how many on here are on their high horse simply because they missed the boat?
Blimey, some self righteous people about.
AA from what I remember you're a secondary teacher, so after the year you've probably had I wouldn't begrudge you using that scheme at all.
I think there have been far bigger abuses of using public funds (not saying AA did) than someone using a £50 voucher within the rules. I think some people should step away from the key board, stop being so judgemental and enjoy the sunshine.
I haven't read the thread, but I didn't apply for a voucher cos I fix my own bikes. Good question though.
(LOL. I read it really! hahaha! Was almost exactly as I expected!)
I think the angst about accepting a handout as compared to a tax break is most amusing!
I didnt apply for one for the same reasons I didn't apply for any of the personal Covid grants I could have - I didnt need it (yet).
With some of the same reasoning displayed, then many of us shouldn't have used the eat out to help out too.
When I said "good question" I obviously meant as a thread to troll STW. Obv innit. And ... hook, line and sinker.
Wait until you find out about how much money the Government threw at their friends at Serco... a few bike vouchers aren’t even a drop in the ocean
Given the limited number of vouchers available, it was clear that for everyone who applied for one who didn't really need it, someone who probably really could have done with one will have missed out
Some people are just a little greedy however, so I assume didn't consider this
Wait until you find out about how much money the Government threw at their friends at Serco… a few bike vouchers aren’t even a drop in the ocean
Well that's the thing, if we all behaved like we're just on a lower tier of the Chumocracy, take any opportunity to skim the public purse because Gove's mates get millions for imaginary PPE, it simply helps erode the idea off helping those in genuine need before yourself...
With some of the same reasoning displayed, then many of us shouldn’t have used the eat out to help out too.
Excellent straw-manning!
"Eat out to help out" was based on precisely the same reasoning, cheap Pub grub to prop up Weatherspoons (other pub-chains are available), and serviceable bikes so the punters could get there and back...
Who is marshaling the scheme to make sure no one gets a code who doesn’t need it?
The Scheme relied on an antiquated concept known as "honesty", you know as there was a pandemic on, and more important things to administer...
I'm simultaneously glad they chose not to throw extra effort or a Dido Harding at means assessing bloody bicycle vouchers, and saddened that people who already owned working bikes and/or had the means to fix their bike couldn't be trusted not to take the piss...
By the way OP you've deftly managed not to mention how many working bikes you owned before taking up the voucher. Don't suppose you'd care to share?
This is brilliant! Keep going. I’ll throw some faux disgust at the OP just to keep things churning.
A man who has to cycle 400 miles per day to get to work on his 76.5 hour shift to feed his nine children, support his wife (who can’t work for reasons) and bed ridden gran got fired because you took his voucher. Monster!
Ok I define it as any 40% tax rate payer, I’ therefore not middle class..
Nah. Not any 40% tax rate payer. F'rinstance anyone on fiddy notverymuch grand but paying 40% marginal tax is very unlikely to be middle class.
A man who has to cycle 400 miles per day to get to work on his 76.5 hour shift to feed his nine children, support his wife (who can’t work for reasons) and bed ridden gran got fired because you took his voucher. Monster!
I must humbly apologise, what more can I do, so very sorry...
what more can I do
Donate £50 to Reading Bicycle Kitchen, they're only one town over, you could pedal there on your pub bike 😉
what more can I do
Apply for another voucher. See if you can get one of the regulars to explode
Donate £50 to Reading Bicycle Kitchen, they’re only one town over, you could pedal there on your pub bike
I've actually donated to them before but not for a while, Jackson's Corners not there anymore is it? I tend to keep all my bike stuff till it wears out though so it's not of any use. I will take your suggestion on board, however just for clarity .....
I must humbly apologise, what more can I do, so very sorry…
was taking the piss
Apply for another voucher. See if you can get one of the regulars to explode
Good point I have an old Giant Defy in the loft I am saving for my son to grow into......
was taking the piss
I think we all are now...
Jackson’s Corners not there anymore is it?
They've moved to the industrial estate just outside the IDR, not too far from the train station.
https://road.cc/content/news/north-south-divide-uptake-fix-your-bike-vouchers-283647
Government figures reveal people in London, South East and South West were most likely to take up £50 voucher offer
Bloody posh southerners coming here stealing our vouchers
🙂 STW will explode now.
Perhaps is because poor people cant afford the internet and didn't know you could get a voucher.
I’m poor
I live in the South
I didn’t get a voucher
I couldn’t afford to buy the internet
I can afford an internet connection though