Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 5:40pm

As reported today in the Chicago Tribune, bicycle commuters are getting a piece of the bailout pie – a sweet $20 per month.

Basically, the bicycle commuting benefit works like other employer-based transit benefit programs. The $20 reimbursement can be used for certain bicycle-related expenses. The benefit goes into effect Jan. 1.

Though questions remain, stay updated with the League of American Bicyclist's website, which has a detailed FAQ to get you started on implementing this program at your work.

I'd rather see the $ go

Submitted by E A (not verified) on Mon, 12/22/2008 - 6:03pm.

I'd rather see the $ go towards more secure (even indoor!) bicycle parking at companies and the companies offer showers. Maybe certificates for keeping the bike tuned up or for a great bike lock would be more practical than a monetary kick back.

not accurate

Submitted by espotts on Tue, 12/23/2008 - 11:55am.

This is not entirely accurate. The tax benefit is for individuals like yourself.

Although...

Submitted by espotts on Tue, 12/23/2008 - 11:56am.

Who doesn't love bicycle certificates? Good incentive.

Grateful but...

Submitted by mark (not verified) on Wed, 12/17/2008 - 12:23pm.

It's a great concept, but seems like a hassle to net $5/month in pre-tax savings.

$5 badge..put it on

Submitted by espotts on Wed, 12/17/2008 - 3:58pm.

I think everyone should try and take advantage of it...bikes win!

Only 916?

Submitted by atsuruta (not verified) on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 9:58am.

The Tribune also has a nice graphic that compares the number of bike commuters per capita in several U.S. cities. I'm not sure where they got their data on the number of bike commuters.

916 ~= 9100

Submitted by David (not verified) on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 11:56am.

I'm sure the information came from the U.S. Census Journey-to-Work data, which had a breakdown of mode used for persons traveling to/from work.

Chicago's a big place and there are still a lot of people on the far reaches not biking. If you figure 1-mil. workers in Chicago, 916 cyclists per 100,000 workers comes out to around 9100 folks reporting they bike to work in Chicago.

I'll bet that number is even higher than the last time data was collected.

additional bike benefit info

Submitted by espotts on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 9:44am.

Most major payroll companies like ADP are familiar with setting up transit benefits and could be a resource in creating a bike benefit for your company.

Also, the RTA provides information about transit benefits here:

http://www.rtachicago.com/infocenter/transitcheck.asp

Keep in mind that employees would not be able to use a bike and transit benefit in the same month (unfortunately).