Cycle To Work schemes | More Brits would cycle to work if employers offered more support

August 1st marked Cycle To Work Day, an annual event that promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work.

Yet a new study by BHN Extras, has found that 49% of UK consumers are not currently in a position to buy a bike outright. A quarter (25%) of those consumers, also stated that it would take at least six months to save for one, with 50% stating that they would be most likely to purchase a bike by splitting the cost. 

Not having a bike impacts the choice to cycle to work for 22% of the UK, with 22% also stating the cost of bikes and accessories as a deterrent.  While the cost of bikes can act as a barrier, cycling to work is on the up. 32% of consumers currently cycle to work – a 13% increase compared to 2023 (19%). Research suggests this could be even greater in 2025 with a third (34%) of consumers currently considering introducing cycling to their commute. 

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Riding through the barriers 

For those who don’t currently cycle, besides a long commute, fitness (46%) and accessibility (25%) are the top barriers. But with nearly half of people (42%) believing that cycling could cover part of their commute, there remains a huge opportunity to get the nation cycling. And encouragement could come from unlikely sources – 67% of consumers say they'd be more likely to start cycling if their employer provided support