Comments on: Breaking the obesity cycle

By: Madhava

Madhava — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:07:35 +0000

I think this is a great idea. A sort of novated lease on bicycles, like cars, would really help us in getting decent bikes.

By: Milo

Milo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:58:29 +0000

I agree with Richard on this one. Whilst a tax break on the purchase of my bike would be ideal, the roads can be a bit tricky during peak hour. That said, I’d be prepared to face the wrath of motorists to get a cheaper bike. Question, reckon we could ask for tax breaks on bicycle accessories also? I wouldn’t mind getting a tax break on one of those garmin bike computers.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:22:44 +0000

I used to get my parking fees taken out of my wages pre tax. Now I have no parking and travel 35km every day via public transport. If I could pay for my travel with salary sacrifice it would be a great help. I certainly get no thanks for leaving my car at home.

By: Georgina Taylor

Georgina Taylor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:24:46 +0000

You are able to salary package a leased vehicle, why not a tax break for those who use public transport.

By: ipallo

ipallo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:24:18 +0000

Walking is also a good way to get to work.

By: ceosmartsalary

ceosmartsalary — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:39 +0000

Good point Darren. Gym memberships can currently be packaged, but only if they are on “employer premises” – this may have made sense at some point, but it seems crazy now. Opening it up so that all gym memberships can be packaged would help the government to better tackle its health initiative.

By: ceosmartsalary

ceosmartsalary — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:19:16 +0000

Ray, have you checked out Lord Mayor Clover Moore's plan for making Sydney more livable? This was released just last week. She must have read your mind! No doubt other cities have similar plans.

By: ceosmartsalary

ceosmartsalary — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:14:47 +0000

Cristine, you are the 3rd person to suggest sacrifice of motorbikes – sounds like this would be popular! And I thought Eamonn’s rational above was spot on.

By: bicycle commuter

bicycle commuter — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:58 +0000

Cycling should definitely be allowed to be packaged and salary sacrified.

If bicycles, motorcycles, potentially sports shoes, and public transport are not allowed to be salary sacrificed, why should cars be allowed?

What makes cars so important?

Cycling, walking, and public transport is the way of the future. It ecourages better physical and mental health – getting out of the car, lowers congestion on our roads, and much more.

It’s time for us to step up and make some important changes to our lifestyles and our country.

Great post Deven.

By: Richard Chapman

Richard Chapman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:24:25 +0000

Think this would be a great idea to promote a healthy mode of transport to work. Fully support any initiatives that assist with the health and well being of the population. I think this would need to be supported with some driver education and more bike lanes – its a bit hairy on the roads particularly during peak hour – one of the major things that puts me off is having to ride in heavy traffic. I have friends who ride and they are constantly dealing with near misses with vehicles.
Otherwise fully support.