More than 400 people have taken advantage of the government’s cycle to work tax break.

The measure was introduced by the Treasury in April 2017 by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan.

The change was designed to improve the fitness and health of people and enables businesses to take advantage of a benefit-in-kind tax exemption by buying a bike on behalf of an individual.

More than 400 transactions have taken place so far, with all sales having to be completed through on-island bike shops as part of the rules.

Mr Cannan said: ’Cycle to Work has proven very popular, but I’d like to invite more employers to get involved.

’It’s good for people’s health and wellbeing, it’s good for the local economy and it’s good for the environment.

’I would encourage businesses to look carefully at how it can benefit their workforce.’

The exemption is based on an employer buying a pedal cycle (maximum £1,000) or an electric cycle (maximum £1,600) from a business in the island.

Mr Cannan added: ’A lot of work is also taking place around the "active travel strategy", which was approved by Tynwald last year, and a number of new routes and features are being developed to help more people use cycling as a means of everyday travel.’

A Workplace Wellbeing conference, organised by the government’s public health bosses, was held last month at the Mount Murray Golf Club and attracted more than 80 people representing public and private sector organisations.

Among the speakers was Paul Morrison, from UK charity Sustrans, which has been recruited to help to oversee the ’active travel strategy’ and increase the numbers of people cycling and walking regularly.

Director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: ’We need to transform our local environment to make healthy choices the easy choices ­­- and this includes encouraging people to travel on foot or by bike.

’This will help fulfil the aims of the "active travel strategy", and reduce obesity. More importantly, it will translate to positive health outcomes for people who take up a more active lifestyle.’