Today, Steve takes over from Chris Last who Chaired the Alliance since 2023. As Chair, Steve will work with all members of the Cycle to Work Alliance – as well as industry partners and Government advocates – to maximize the reach of the Scheme and expand access to cycling to ensure more people can benefit from the proven health, environmental, and economic advantages of commuting by bike. 

The Alliance would like to thank Chris for his determination and hard work during his time as Chair. He led multiple industry and MP roundtables driving forward the active travel agenda, and united members and industry to strengthen the voice of the cycling community. 

The Cycle to Work Scheme has enabled well over 2 million employees to access a bike to date. Successfully, Chris oversaw the Parliamentary launch of the Alliance’s Manifesto for Cycle Commuting, a report that outlined a series of strategic proposals that aim to bridge access for the 80% of UK workers that could still benefit from the Scheme, as found in the Alliance’s recent YouGov poll. 

The Alliance’s commitment to engaging with Government, the Cycling and Walking APPG, and numerous industry groups and bodies, will be continued by Steve who will actively push forward the industry’s priorities for active travel and see that the Scheme remains a vital benefit for all. 

Heading into 2025, the Alliance will focus on: 

1. The economic contribution of the Scheme and its role as a driver of growth in the UK. 

1. The role of both the Scheme and active travel in transport decarbonisation, making commutes more environmentally friendly.  

1. Ensuring the physical and mental health benefits of active travel are recognised. 

1. Support for expanding the Scheme and ensuring more people can participate – building on the Alliance’s efforts to open the Scheme to e-bikes and specially adapted bikes. 

Speaking of his appointment, Steve Edgell said:  

“It’s an honor to take on the role of Chair following such a monumental year for the Scheme and Alliance. Over the past 25 years, the Scheme has empowered millions of people to experience the life-changing benefits of cycling.  

My focus will be to build on this success – working closely with our partners, Government, and the wider cycling community to break down barriers to access, improve safety, and champion cycling as a sustainable, healthy, and cost-effective way to commute.  

On handing the baton to Steve, Chris Last reflected on a successful tenure:  

“It has been a privilege to have served as Chair since 2023. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made for the industry and I’m confident that under Steve’s leadership, the Alliance will continue to break new ground, make cycling accessible to even more people and drive the active travel agenda forward.” 

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.  

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.