November 19, 2025
Keeping Britain moving: The Cycle to Work Scheme deserves support, not limits
By Steve Edgell, Chair of Cycle to Work Alliance
I wrote a piece for LBC, published this morning, discussing how the scheme is firmly rooted in supporting everyday commuters. We know that two-thirds of participants pay the basic rate of tax, and many use the scheme because they need an e-bike to manage longer or tougher journeys, or an adapted cycle to suit their needs. The decision to lift the original £1,000 cap in 2019 opened doors for people whose commutes demanded more than a standard bike.
The Cycle to Work Scheme has helped millions of UK workers access a bike for their commute, not as a luxury, but as a practical way to save money, improve their health and travel sustainably.
The benefits are clear:
- The scheme supported £219 million worth of bicycle and accessory sales in 2023/24, generating £43.8 million in VAT and boosting the UK cycling sector.
- Workforce benefits come in at around £37 million a year through lower sickness absence and higher productivity.
- Household savings totalled approximately £41 million as employees switched to cheaper, greener commuting.
- 38% of participants say they now commute by bike for the first time, a strong sign of behaviour change.
- Health research shows cycling to work reduces the risk of cardiovascular death by 24% and cancer by 16%, while over 1,100 premature deaths could be prevented annually through increased active travel.
A cap would undermine these gains
The Government’s own policy frameworks underline the value of active travel. The Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy and the NHS 10 Year Plan emphasises a shift from “sickness to prevention” and a need for healthier, more active lives.
Introducing a cap or limiting salary-sacrifice access would erode the scheme’s attractiveness and effectiveness for both employers and employees’ meaning fewer bikes, more cars back in driveways and on the road, higher congestion, and greater long-term burden on public services.
A call for sensible policy that backs inclusion
The Cycle to Work Scheme is working exactly as designed: it helps people commute more sustainably and healthily, supports business and industry, and advances climate goals.
Imposing a cap narrowly aimed at “high-end” bikes risks penalising those who rely on e-bikes, cargo bikes or adapted cycles to make cycling possible.
Let’s continue building on this success. A thriving scheme means healthier people, stronger communities and a more sustainable transport future.
