The Yorkshire-based firm says that the implementation of the scheme may seem unusual for a firm that operates in the motor industry and that has a head office in one of the hilliest parts of the UK but it plays an integral role in Zenith Provecta's Corporate Social Responsibility policy.

The Bike to Work scheme is designed to offer employees a simple and tax-efficient means of using a new bicycle through a salary sacrifice mechanism, run in partnership with Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op.

Employees choose a new bike which Zenith Provecta buys, along with any related equipment required such as lights and a helmet. The equipment is then leased back to the employee over a set re-payment period of 12 months. The scheme is cost-efficient because the cost of the lease to the employee is taken from gross salary, producing tax savings.

Ian Hughes, commercial director of Zenith Provecta, said: 'Our new Bike to Work scheme has already generated a lot of interest. Our employees are very aware of the advantages of cycling to work, in terms of its impact on the environment and their fitness – and it can often be quicker than using a car on congested roads.'