From 1st April 2001 all helmets – rather than just kid’s ones – will be sold without 17.5% VAT whacked on top. The idea is that it’ll encourage people to ride their bikes and protect their delicate little noggins while they do it.

17.5% cheaper by spring – hopefully I’ll have cleaned it by then too.

 
Also in the Chancellors pre budget statement was an increase in the tax free mileage allowance for anyone using their bicycle for business use from 12p a mile to 20p a mile, which makes bus / tube / train / fuel prices seem even steeper.

In the meantime just try and keep your head clear of the rocks until April, but if you do clobber it, don’t go riding round in a knackered lid till spring to save yourself a few quid. It won’t protect you at all on your next dive and “died tragically of false economy” never looked good as an epitaph.
So just what is www.bikebiz.co.uk?