The cycle scheme is a government run scheme so it's available all over the UK though your employer has to sign up to it. It is meant to encourage commuting/exercise. If my employer claimed VAT (they don't as they are a non profit) i wold get a further 15% discount on the bike as 15% is what we pay ontop of most items we purchase (though unlike in america, anything for sale includes this in the ticket price so it's not as if we notice the VAT whereas as a tourist in USA you forget about the sales tax till you get to the till).

It is a fantastic idea, you should encourage your politicians to lok into it whereever you live.

I went to the LBS yesterday and they had a Giant CRS (hybrid) in stock which i looked at and a trek 4300 and Marin Pioneer Trail (both MTB with FS). The Giant looked a fast bike but looked kind of flimsy, like it would crumple should i go down a curb wrong or... I am pretty sure it wouldn't, though i don't think thats the kind of bike for me. I am going to two other LBS's today so i'll see if theres anything i can pick.

As for Torchwood and Dr Who fans (I am one myself) they use alot of the areas i cycle through as filming locations, alot of which are around my house.

My commute is around 6miles each way using only roads (and the odd pavement).