When I was low-paid, a bicycle was my only form of transport. It was essential for me to get to work, but due to financial constraints, I could only afford a cheap and unreliable one. If the Value Added Tax (VAT) had been removed, it could have made a significant difference, allowing me and countless others access to more reliable transport solutions.

Bicycles are not just a mode of transport; they evoke freedom, healthy choices, sustainability and low-cost transport. In a time where environmental concerns and economic hardships are more prominent than ever, it is critical to make this eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation option more accessible to everyone, especially low-income individuals.

According to the International Transport Forum, cycling emits ten times less carbon dioxide per kilometer than the average car, making it one of the greenest forms of transportation available. Additionally, a report from Cycling UK indicates that increasing the number of cyclists could save the NHS billions annually by reducing rates of diseases related to inactivity and pollution.

By removing VAT from the sale of new bicycles, the government can encourage more people to adopt cycling as their main form of transport. This act would not only promote a healthier lifestyle but also contribute to the reduction of urban traffic congestion and air pollution. Moreover, making bicycles more affordable would directly benefit low-income families, enabling them to invest in higher-quality, more reliable bicycles.

Implementing this policy is a matter of fairness and accessibility. There's an opportunity now for lawmakers to show their commitment to both social equity and environmental sustainability by supporting this change.

Join me in urging the government to remove VAT from the sale of new bicycles—making cycling a viable option for all. Sign this petition to bring about change that supports individuals and communities across the nation.