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A Milestone in Motion: The Cycle to Work Scheme Turns 25
Contents
Celebrating 25 years of healthy, sustainable commuting made possible by the Cycle to Work scheme
As we celebrate the Cycle to Work scheme’s 25th anniversary, what better time to reflect on our own journey with the scheme.
Cycle to Work has been a game changer in the UK, providing workers with a healthy, environmentally friendly way to commute and saving over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
Since its introduction, an entire generation of workers have been made happier, healthier, and more productive thanks to incredible bike savings and an attractive tax incentive. To date, more than 2 million commuters have received a new bike and around 180,000 people sign up to the scheme annually.
We launched the scheme in 2006 and, with 654,000 registered users, we’re proud to play a part in making cleaner, greener commuting accessible for all. As employers become more conscious of how they can protect their people’s wellbeing, the Cycle to Work scheme has proved vital in supporting the workforce in various ways.
From the financial savings to the physical and mental health benefits, Cycle to Work has been instrumental in helping businesses support their workforce and shape their organisational culture.
Over 70% of scheme users said that cycling has led to improved physical health 
65% said regular biking has contributed to improved mental health & wellbeing 
90% of employers say that the scheme has had a positive impact on their staff’s wellbeing 
8 in 10 employers said the scheme was either an important or very important benefit to their employees
However, it’s not just organisations and their workforces who benefit from the scheme. Because regular physical activity benefits long-term health, mental health, and helps to prevent over 20 common health conditions, Cycle to Work can also reduce pressure on the NHS.
“Over 4 in 10 women (42%) and 1 in 3 men (34%) in England are not active enough for good health, with human and economic costs for the individual, communities and the health and social care system. The most recent estimates are that physical inactivity costs the NHS more than £450 million a year at Clinical Commissioning Group level, equating to £817,274 per 100,000 individuals or £8.17 per person.”
- Cycling and Walking for Individual, Population and Health System Benefits: A Rapid Evidence Review
With more and more people joining the scheme, the future is looking bright for Cycle to Work – and we can’t wait to see the difference it continues to make to employees across the country.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Vivup Cycle to Work scheme, book a demo today.
We’ll leave you with a quote from Chris Last, our Commercial Director and Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance:
“The benefit removes several expensive barriers that often prevent employees from commuting, such as the up-front cost of a bike and safety equipment. Utilising the benefit means there are significant savings, and the employees pay monthly for the expense. Plus, the benefits to health are huge. NHS waiting lists are now longer than ever before, so encouraging employees to improve their fitness and save money is an amazing way to look after colleagues while supporting the NHS.”
Sources
Cycling to work will save you money and help the planet too | One Home
The Scheme - Cycle to Work Alliance
Terms & Conditions
Cycle to Work benefit - For bicycles valued over £1000 Your organisation is a broker and not a lessor. SME HCI Ltd (trading as Vivup), 5 Margaret Road, Romford, RM2 5SH, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref 626422). UK Only, 18+, subject to status, terms apply. Up to 42% saving: Savings are realised through a salary sacrifice arrangement. Excluding End of Agreement fee (if applicable). Figures are a guide only and dependent on personal situation.
Cycle to Work is provided via a salary sacrifice arrangement. Terms & Conditions apply **at least 50% of the cycle and/or safety equipment must be used for Qualifying journeys include commuting to and from work and/or business journeys from one work place to another. Bikes available are subject to organisation scheme limit.