Scrap VAT on bicycles

[imported_Déise]

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[imported_Déise]

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[saratoga]

God no! Scrap the excise tax on petrol first, then we'll talk. Cyclists pose a significant threat to pedestrians. They do not require tax, insurance, or a license. When they do, then I will consider not hating them with every fiber of my being.

Cyclists who cycle on footpaths and otherwise break the rules certainly do pose a risk. I cycle on something called 'the road', so can I get my VAT off?

[imported_Déise]

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[Pidge]

Cyclists pose a significant threat to pedestrians.

I was cycling in town today. Believe me, it works both ways.

Least motorists pay taxes to use the roads and have insurance against such accidents.

I wasn't talking about motorists. I was talking about pedestrians, who tend to ignore traffic lights in town, and walk when there are no cars. For some reason, they tend not to notice cyclists. They also walk in cycle lanes frequently.

I'm not going to go on some sort of anti-pedestrian crusade, though, because I know that it's only a few idiots who ruin the system.

[thebigv]

Not a bad suggestion. Should only apply to basic bicycles though and not top-end racing bikes. Maybe set a limit of €300.00. After that VAT is levied...

Why?? A Bicyle worth less than €300 would certainly not encourage its user to cycle any real distances.I have two a CArbon racing and a commuter bike. €300 would not purchase a wheel for either.

[eurocrat]

The European Commision have already a directive that would allow bicycle repairs to by at a lower 5% rate. Ireland opted out on the directive.

[imported_Déise]

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[Victor Meldrew]

Not a bad suggestion. Should only apply to basic bicycles though and not top-end racing bikes. Maybe set a limit of €300.00. After that VAT is levied...

Why?? A Bicyle worth less than €300 would certainly not encourage its user to cycle any real distances.I have two a CArbon racing and a commuter bike. €300 would not purchase a wheel for either.

In Italy I bought a city bike for €200.
It has 6 (shimano) gears and came with a luggage rack, pump, mud guards, and dynamo lights. 6 gears is enough for a city bike I think (and I sometimes go up some serious hills, like bunkers boy!!!).
I have the bike 2 years and it serves me well.
Maybe its just another rip off Ireland thing?

I've a mid range commuter bike, cost €425, then another €150 on accessories, lovely to ride and tough as nails Cheap bikes are not as nice by a long shot. we are trying to encourage bike usage here.

[Micilín Muc]

If I had to pick any age group to force onto bicycles it'd be adults. I think picking on kids is a bit too easy.

Fostering a green culture amongst school kids is one way of changing the SUV culture in Ireland. No proper intiative has been launched to encourage kids cycling to school bar Green Schools and Safe to School.

Green Schools does seem worthwile but not enough encouragement for green travel to school.