Wheels 2 Work making your commute work for you

Wheels 2 Work â€" making your commute work for you by Tom Bunkham Do you struggle to get to your place of work or training? Perhaps you’re a shift worker or mobile carer, and public transport isn’t suitable for your requirements? Well help is at hand.Wheels 2 Work Association is an organisation that represents all Wheels 2 Work schemes across the UK. It was launched in January 2013 by the Motorcycle Industry Association, with Department for Transport funding.The schemes are independently run, sometimes by charities, social enterprises or local authorities, but share a common goal of giving a leg up to people who are unable to work (or study) because of a lack of transport.We recently met with Stevie Muir at Wheels 2 Work Association to find out what exactly how the Wheels 2 Work schemes could help you:The Big InterviewQ: So Stevie, what is Wheels 2 Work Association?A: Wheels 2 Work Association is an umbrella organisation for Wheels 2 Work schemes across the UK. It helps spread best practice, encourages sustainability and helps with procurement, giving small schemes bigger purchasing power.Q: Who are Wheels 2 Work schemes are suitable for?A: Wheels 2 Work schemes are suitable for anyone over the age of 16, struggling with transport to get them to work, college or training.  W2W clients often live in rural areas, but not always.  If you are in any doubt as to whether you would qualify, just ring your local scheme to find out.W2W schemes are popular with shift workers and mobile carers, whose working patterns don’t fit easily around public transport timetables. People who work in pubs or restaurants and can’t get late night transport are also frequent users of W2W schemes. The website also has an interactive map, which shows if there is a scheme in your area.Q:  Are there any restrictions on usage?A: These vary by scheme, but generally not, although you obviously have to look after the moped, scooter, motorcycle or cycle, wear your protective clothing and ride safely.Q:  How is it funded?A: The W heels 2 Work Association is funded by a Department for Transport grant, but the individual schemes get funding from a variety of sources.  Many are now supported through Local Sustainable Transport Funding, which is a pot of money made available to local authorities to solve transport problems with sustainability in mind.Q:  How does it work?A: Wheels 2 Work schemes are all run independently and therefore operate slightly differently, but the basic principle is the same: a loan of a moped, small motorcycle, or scooter is made for a period of time (usually 6 months) to people who would otherwise have no access to suitable private or public transport.A fixed sum is paid weekly or monthly, which includes the hire of the vehicle, tax, and insurance. It also covers protective clothing and usually training too.  The loan period gives people the chance to make longer term plans for transport, perhaps to save up to buy something themselves.Q:  What transportation options are available?A: I t depends on what the scheme has to offer, but usually mopeds, scooters and small motorcycles.  Some schemes have electric motorcycles.Q:  Do you provide training and safety advice?A: Yes, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is generally included within the weekly loan cost, so no cost to the client.  Protective clothing is provided and must be worn as a condition of the loan.  Many of the schemes offer enhanced training and give lots of advice about riding safely, which is reinforced regularly.Q:  How many schemes are there in the UK?A: There are currently 38 schemes, but one opens every few months, so there could be more by the time you read this.  If there isn’t one in your area, then write to your local council â€" there may be one in the planning stages.Q:  Whats the best thing about working for Wheels 2 Work Association?A: The Wheels 2 Work concept is a lifeline to so many people, so it’s a message I am passionate about helping to spread.  It’s vital the government cont inues to back this through encouraging local authorities to make funding available to schemes, both old and new.It’s also important to highlight the scheme to road safety professionals too â€" as Wheels 2 Work offers an effective blueprint for introducing people to motorcycling in a safe and structured way.Q:  Why do you Love Mondays?A: I feel optimistic on Mondays that I am going to get everything done during the week. Anything seems possible on a Monday!If you would like to find out more, visit  www.wheels2workassociation.org/Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development