Marking the 25th anniversary of the Cycle to Work Scheme, the Cycle to Work Alliance has today published a manifesto outlining a strategic vision for expanding cycling access across the UK. Unveiled at a reception in Parliament, the manifesto presents a comprehensive roadmap aimed at tackling existing barriers to cycle commuting, supported by exclusive polling from YouGov.
Despite the Cycle to Work Scheme enabling over 2 million employees to access a bike to date, exclusive YouGov data shows that 80% of UK workers could still benefit from the cycle to work scheme. The Alliance’s Manifesto sets out a roadmap for the next 25 years of cycle commuting in the UK to ensure access for all.
The manifesto, supported by exclusive data commissioned with YouGov and bringing together views from across industry and politics, sets out bold policy recommendations to expand access to cycling and ensure that more people can benefit from the proven health, environmental, and economic advantages of commuting by bike.
The manifesto outlines a series of strategic proposals, including:
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Urging the Department for Transport to include the needs of cyclists in its new Road Safety Review.
- Improved Infrastructure: Advocating for long-term funding to build safe and accessible cycling routes.
- Expanded Scheme Access: Encouraging policy changes to include low-income earners and the self-employed in the Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Support for E-bikes: Promoting the use of e-bikes as a key solution for older and long-distance commuters, while countering misconceptions about their safety.
The recommendations are supported by exclusive YouGov polling, which shows that:
- Safety and infrastructure concerns continue to prevent people from cycling: 45% of potential cyclists are deterred from commuting by bike due to concerns about safety with twice as many women than men fear cycling to work.
- There continues to be a cycling gender gap: Almost three times as many men (74%) cycle to work than women (26%).
- Age: Cycling to work uptake is similar across most age groups, making it a commute for everyone!
- The number of cycle commuters varies by region: London (27%) and the North of England (20%) are home to the highest number of people who cycle to work. Wales is home to the lowest (0.9%).
- Accessibility: there is room for smaller businesses (10-49 employees) to offer the scheme to employees as 31% said they do not currently have access to the scheme.
“The Cycle to Work Scheme has been instrumental in promoting active travel for 25 years, helping over 2 million people access a bike to cycle to work, but we recognise that many people face obstacles to being able to commute by bike. The manifesto and our exclusive data make clear that now is the time for action. We’re calling on policymakers, employers, and industry to come together and ensure that cycle commuting can thrive. This isn’t just about cycling; it’s about delivering cost-effective transport, healthier lifestyles, and a greener future for all.”
Spokesperson for the Cycle to Work Alliance
Celebrating 25 Years of Success
Since its launch in 1999, the Cycle to Work Scheme has helped millions of people shift to greener, healthier forms of commuting. The manifesto is a pivotal step in ensuring the scheme continues to grow, adapt, and remove the obstacles that prevent more people from experiencing the benefits of cycling to work.