Published on April 25th, 2009 | by Guest Contributor

Bike to Work and Get Paid for It

Did you know you can bike to work and get paid for it?

It sounds absurd but actually, it’s true. Reimbursements for bike-to-work expenses were part of the $700 billion financial bailout package passed by the government last year.

photo by green4all

Bike to Work Week

Section 211 of the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008” allows for a “qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement” for “reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment.”

Since early 2009, bicyclists have been eligible for a $20-per-month tax-free reimbursement from their employers for bike-related expenses. Employers who choose to participate in the voluntary program can deduct the expenses from their federal taxes. The money can be used to purchase, store, maintain, or repair bikes that are used for a substantial portion of an employee’s commute.

So If you ride a bike recreationally, try riding it to work. Thanks to the government, you can leave your car at home and start biking to work now. It’s great way to get exercise and fresh air, while reducing your carbon footprint.

The League of American Bicyclists will be promoting Bike-to-Work Week from May 11-15 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 15 with a series of events across the country. For more information , visit www.bikeleague.org.

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Tags: bike, bike to work, carbon footprint, financial bailout, League of American Bicyclists

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