Learn Chris Last’s top tips for maximising the positive effects of your Cycle to Work programme
Whether you already offer Cycle to Work or you’re considering introducing a programme, it’s important to understand its positive influence on employee wellbeing and how you can maximise the impact to your people.
To mark 25 years of the Cycle to Work scheme, we hosted a webinar led by Chris Last, Trading and Commercial Director at Perkbox Vivup and Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance. The webinar shared valuable insights around how employers can make the most of the scheme to reap the wellbeing rewards.
Why Offer a Cycle to Work Programme?
- Cycle to Work is responsible for 1 in 5 new UK bike sales
- 2 million people have used and benefitted from the scheme to date
- 7 in 10 scheme users are basic rate taxpayers
- 90% of employers say their workforces are healthier because of the scheme
Source: Cycle to Work Alliance 2024
How Cycle to Work Supports Better Financial Wellbeing
The Cycle to Work scheme is an effective benefit for supporting financial wellbeing among staff. As 70% of users are basic rate taxpayers, the scheme lowers financial barriers to those on lower incomes and enables them to access a brand-new bike and safety equipment in a more manageable way.
Offer an Alternative Way to Commute
With 11.5% of people saying they would change their commuting habits if their organisation provided a Cycle to Work benefit, the scheme offers a healthier, sustainable alternative for your employees.
Plus, with the annual cost of owning and using a bicycle totalling just over half the cost of running a car for the same period, the scheme also supports financial wellbeing. For those living in cities, offering an alternative to a car for their commute can also support with parking restrictions, emissions zones and more.
Cycle to Work Savings
Employees can spread the cost of their bike and accessories through manageable salary reductions over an agreed set of time, helping them to unlock cost savings. For example:
So how can employers drive uptake and engagement?
Communication
It’s crucial to communicate the benefits of the programme and how it works to encourage usage. The scheme offers high appeal for employees, including:
- Savings of up to 42%* on brand-new bikes and safety equipment
- No credit checks to qualify for placing an order
- The ability to spread the cost straight from their salary
- Some providers offer the option to order online or in store from a range of retailers and independent bike shops (like Perkbox Vivup)
Some Cycle to Work partners (like Perkbox Vivup) offer additional support with marketing materials, competitions, roadshows, and webinars to help drive engagement and uptake.
Review Your Scheme Limitations
In 2019, the Cycle to Work Alliance lobbied government to successfully remove the £1000 cap. Despite this, many employers haven’t lifted the cap on their own schemes.
By increasing your cap, you can expand the range available to your employees and make your solution even more inclusive.
With the rise in popularity of e-bikes, allowing employees to access these higher priced models helps to increase usage of the programme. Increasing the cap also enables those with additional needs to access adaptive bikes which typically sit at a price bracket of £500-£6000, ensuring that the programme is inclusive to every kind of rider.
And not to mention that an increased limit ensures your people can add on essential safety accessories, high-vis clothing and more with their Cycle to Work order.
Make Your Workplace More Bike Friendly
Some employees may be deterred by cycle commuting due to issues like poor weather, so introducing workplace features such as changing rooms, lockers and access to hot drinks can help address these barriers.
Similarly, creating secure bike racks to avoid damage and theft can help alleviate some of the security concerns employees might have – all while making bike commuting more visible in the workplace.
You might also look to offer free cycle safety training, which helps employees feel more confident and secure on the roads.
If you’d like to hear more from Chris Last about the many ways you can maximise your Cycle to Work scheme, check out our webinar here
Terms and Conditions
*up to 42% saving: figures shown are a guide only and dependent on personal situation. Excludes End of Agreement fee (if applicable).
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.
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