July 2, 2026
Cycle to Work Day – helping more people turn interest into action
Today is Cycle to Work Day, and the Alliance is taking the opportunity to celebrate the millions of people who already enjoy the benefits of cycling to work, and encourage even more people to think differently about their daily commute.
For over 25 years, the Cycle to Work Scheme has helped more than two million people access a bike, e-bike or adapted cycle. We’re incredibly proud of what the Scheme has achieved, helping people save money, improve their health and wellbeing, and choose a more sustainable way to travel.
This year, new research from BHN Extras shows that more people are recognising just how much their commute affects their everyday lives. Nearly half of UK workers would consider changing jobs for a shorter or more enjoyable commute, while more than a quarter say their journey to work negatively affects their mental wellbeing.
These findings reinforce something we’ve known for a long time: how we travel to work has a real impact on our health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Growing interest in cycling
The encouraging news is that more people are looking to cycling as part of the solution.
BHN’s research found that one-third of workers are considering cycling as part of their commute, while 44% say access to an e-bike would encourage them to cycle more.
That growing interest reflects the many benefits cycling can bring. It offers a practical way to build physical activity into the working day, reduce the cost of travelling to work and make the journey itself a more positive experience.
What’s more, our own independent research has consistently shown that these benefits extend far beyond the individual cyclist.
The Cycle to Work Scheme delivers £4.40 in socioeconomic benefits for every £1 of public investment. Employees who switch from driving to cycling save an average of £1,262 each year on commuting costs, while employers benefit from healthier, more productive workforces through lower absenteeism and improved wellbeing.
This is why cycling is about much more than getting from A to B. It supports healthier communities, stronger businesses and a growing economy.
Turning interest into participation
The challenge now is helping more people turn their interest into action.
Despite growing enthusiasm for cycling, BHN’s research found that almost half of workers are either unaware of whether their employer offers a Cycle to Work Scheme or are unsure how it works.
This is a huge opportunity. The Scheme is already helping thousands of people make cycling part of their daily routine, but we know there is potential to reach many more. Better promotion of the Scheme, alongside continued investment in safe, accessible cycling infrastructure, can help make cycling a realistic option for people who may never have previously considered it.
We have already seen the impact the Scheme can have. Independent research shows it changes behaviour, with many participants cycling to work for the first time after joining. It helps people build regular physical activity into their everyday lives, while reducing commuting costs and contributing to cleaner, less congested communities.
Building on the momentum
Cycle to Work Day reminds us that the appetite for cycling is there and we have a role to play in making it as accessible as possible so that everyone can benefit.
More people want healthier, more affordable and more enjoyable ways to travel. Employers have an opportunity to support their workforce with a proven workplace benefit, while policymakers can continue creating the conditions that make active travel easier and safer.
The Cycle to Work Scheme has been delivering those benefits for more than a quarter of a century. By raising awareness of the Scheme and widening access to it, we can help even more people experience the difference cycling can make.
Because when more people can cycle to work, everyone benefits.
