Ethics question- Mileage

[tsakshaug]

Part of my work involves going between buildings (about 3 miles) I have decided to ride my bike rather than my car. I get mileage for going between buildings ($ 0.36/ mile). should I charge if riding my bike? I do not change the amount I charge based on what car I drive (van vs small car), and my bike has some repair costs involved.
Any ideas?

[GainesT1958]

1. Your bike is a vehicle, and...

Unless your company specifically says "motor vehicle" re. mileage, you CAN claim it...just get yourself an odometer attachment for your bike, and you should be good to go!:D

B-)

[qb]

2. I'd say go for it. Excercise makes you more productive.

Document the extra calories you consume in case you get audited!

[wysimdnwyg]

3. No

The mileage allowance is for fuel and wear and tear on your car. Using a bike eliminates these. Sure, there is a small amount of wear and tear on the bike, but far less than to a car, and there's no gas to buy. If you choose to use your bike instead of a car, it should be with the understanding that you forfeit the mileage allowance.

[wtmusic]

4. You're OK

Mileage is mileage. Up to you how to get there.

[tsakshaug]

5. Off I go

I am in the process of leaving now.
I will feel like a Morman Missionary- tie flapping in the breeze- but not riding a cool Schwinn.
Maybe with the $ I can buy a new bike in about three years

[ZenLefty]

6. Ask your company

At one company I worked for, mileage was mileage. Unless you took the bus, in which case they just pay your bus fare.

However, if they do not pay for bicycle mileage, and you claim it, they can ask for it back when they figure it out. :(

[jobycom]

7. You'd be taxed

You have to report the mileage if it's not a motor vehicle, and if your company doesn't already report it. They don't have to if they consider it direct reimbursement for your expenses, but since it isn't, really, you would have to report it, and since you would have no vehicle expenses to deduct.

Ethically, I'd say it's wrong, but if you don't get paid for the travel time (hours or salary) you should bring it up with your boss. My own opinion, but I really dislike doing something I don't feel is right. That you are asking the question to me means you don't think it is right.

[Bunny]

9. You're right about the taxes.

We have to show actual odometer readings on our mileage sheets, otherwise the IRS will count the reimbursement as taxable income.

Also, the purpose of mileage reimbursement is to cover not only gasoline and wear and tear on my car, but also any increase in my insurance premium that may be incurred by me using my private vehicle for work. I rarely use my car for company business, but if I regularly did, my insurance would definitely go up.

Your bike does undergo wear and tear, but uses no gas and probably doesn't have an insurance policy associated with it.

Is is ethical to claim mileage? I dunno. Ask your company.

[radwriter0555]

8. sounds like way too much hassle. just enjoy the freedom & pleasure

of riding your bike.

You get far more benefit from it than driving a car.

a dollar is too little to even think about.

[jobycom]

10. No kidding, eh? I'd love to work a bike ride into my job.

That's all the benefit I'd need out of it.

[tsakshaug]

11. More info

Good points all. I do not need odometer readings, just raw miles.
Looking at my contract it says "....personal vehicle for transportation..." no motor involved. What is more personal than a bike?

I agree that I am probably wrong to ask for this reimbursment. I think I will check with my union about it.