I recently became aware of the federal program that gives up to a $20 reimbursement per month for those who primarily commute by bicycle. Your employer has to support the program, and there are other stipulations such as not receiving any other transportation subsidies, like discounted bus passes. Has anyone used this program? What has your experience been?
Some info
here brybot
2013-04-28 12:47:18
A few years ago, I tried unsucessfully to get the Carnegie museums to support this, but was told they would not. It was being done at Cahtham at that time. I also would be interested if any other institutions were doing this.
helen-s
2013-04-28 12:54:46
We have that benefit at Chatham University. It is a really nice benefit and fairly easy for the employer to offer. Contact me by private message or email (mboyd50 at gmail.com) for more information.
mboyd
2013-04-28 13:53:57
Probably a slim to none chance of the company i work for going for this since i'm probably the only one who commutes by bike, yeah? How would i suggest this idea or inquire about it?
cpollack
2013-04-28 18:41:19
There are some hoops that your employer will need to jump through, but if you (and someone in finance) are willing, it is very doable.
My employer has offered it for about a year now, and I've used it a few times. We have a third party managing benefits like this, so I just submit a receipt and then get a check in the mail. I've been able to submit receipts for greater than $20, and they keep a running balance--say I spend $40 one month, and none the next. I would receive $20 this month, and $20 more next month. This may be specific to our benefits provider, though.
bjanaszek
2013-04-28 19:36:26
Maybe you could use the fact that you're the only cyclist as a selling point.
Cycling improves worker health. That saves the company money on hiring temps, health insurance, etc. Adding a small benefit might push more workers into cycling and saving the company money.
steven
2013-04-28 22:23:52
Thanks for the heads up about this. I plan on bringing it up to my employer today!
boostuv
2013-04-29 06:45:28
I have been trying for a few years to encourage my employer to do this, but I have alos been told absically there are not enough cyclists to make it worthwile. (im the only one at my site)
However, I do ask the HR person everytime I see her when it will start..
the-beast
2013-04-29 10:04:51
IANATA (I am not a tax attorney) so I would be curious to know if someone working as a 1099 has any sort of "in" on this or anything similar.
stuinmccandless
2013-04-29 20:29:48
I tried doing this at my job too and the person in HR was like "It'd be great if we did offer it, but we don't..." Perhaps I could make another inquiry. My boss generally prefers I be seen, but not heard in other departments though, so it's kind of a conflict
sgtjonson
2013-04-29 20:38:03
