It could pay to ride a bicycle to work.
Starting in 2009, U.S. employers will be able to take a tax deduction if they offer employees who ride bicycles to work a reimbursement for commuting expenses.
The reimbursements can be up to $20 a month and include bicycle purchases, improvements, repairs or storage.
The Transportation Fringe Benefit to Bicycle Commuters was passed Oct. 3 as Section 211 of the economic bailout plan.
Allan Preston, chairman of UF's Sustainability Committee, said while he had just heard of the incentive, he didn't see why UF would not offer to reimburse employees.
"It seems to be something that would work for us," Preston said.
Students who ride their bikes to school won't be eligible for the reimbursement, UF spokesman Steve Orlando said.
Brandon Labiner, a UF sophomore, said he rides his bicycle around campus but uses his car for any off-campus trips.
Labiner said he didn't think $20 per month is enough money to inspire even low-budget college students to give up riding their cars to work.
"I mean, that's like one expensive meal," he said. "Obviously, it's a lot easier to get around using a car than a bike."
Others thought the incentives would be a hit.
"I think it would definitely appeal more to college students or anyone who works locally," UF freshman Erik Schineis said.
Off-campus, local cycling aficionados have paid attention to the new incentive.
"It's not much, but it's a good start," said James Thompson, a member of the sales and repair staff at Chain Reaction Bicycles.
Most of Chain Reaction Bicycles' employees ride their bikes to work, which is evident by the full employee bike rack inside the store. The store will definitely consider applying for the tax break, Thompson said.
Paul Schmidt, owner of Bikes & More, said he plans to take advantage of the tax break but doesn't anticipate that all employers will feel the same.
"Ninety percent of the resistance of cycling to work is that you can't maintain a professional appearance," he said. "I don't see that employers are going to push this simply because, as an employer, it's in your best interest to make sure your employee arrives in a professional manner."
Elizabeth Ameller, a nurse at Shands at UF, said she didn't mind. She thinks the incentive would inspire a lot more people to ride their bicycles to work.
"I don't care if I sweat," Ameller said. "I wear scrubs."
