£8m to subsidise bicycles

As Spain and the Czech Republic become the latest nations to offer car ‘scrappage’ schemes, Italy is offering its travelling public an altogether greener alternative by becoming the first European country to subsidise the cost of bicycles.

The Italian government has made available £8m to subsidise the purchase price of bicycle or electric bikes by up to 30 per cent.

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is calling for a similar scheme in Britain. It believes the car ‘scrappage’ grant that currently offers a driver £2,000 off a new car when a 10-year-old vehicle is scrapped should be replaced by a subsidy for cyclists.

A spokesperson at the ETA said: “Cycling has benefits for the whole of society so money invested in this way is well spent.”

Latest cycle insurance rivals car cover

The latest insurance products for cyclists offer as many benefits as the fully-comprehensive policies offered to car drivers.

Motorists with a fully-comp level of cover are reimbursed for accidental damage to their vehicle and are supplied with a hire car while theirs is off the road, which are both features now commonly included in most cycle insurance policies.

Compare the cycle insurance market

Cycle insurance from the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is widely regarded as the most comprehensive on the market and includes a specialist recovery service for cyclists who have broken down.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Just as with any other type of insurance, it is vital that people shop around – many cyclists are paying over the odds for the extras that we include for free.”

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.