Cycle to Work Day: Why Employers Should Back the Bike

It’s 8:23 a.m. and the office is slowly coming to life. Some staff arrive flustered, having battled traffic or train delays; others are already on their second coffee, mentally preparing for a day of back-to-back meetings. 

But one team member quietly locks up their bike, cheeks flushed from fresh air, and heads in with a calm, clear mind. 

It’s a small detail, easy to overlook, but it captures something crucial about how we start our working day – and what that means for our performance, wellbeing, and long-term productivity.

These are all things that employers are always trying to improve, but often through the use of complex, system-wide strategies. But sometimes, the biggest impact can come from relatively simple interventions.

One such opportunity is Cycle to Work Day, which offers more than just a prompt for a social media post or a lunchtime ride. Instead, it can act as a catalyst for a broader workplace shift – one that supports employee health and demonstrates that leaders truly understand the evolving needs of their workforce.

Whether to work, to the shops, or for fitness, the benefits of cycling are increasingly well-documented. Regular cyclists take, on average, one fewer sick day per year. That’s not just a wellbeing win, as it also translates to meaningful gains in employee productivity. And when such a small reduction in absenteeism like this can save a business thousands annually, initiatives that encourage healthier daily habits suddenly become strategic assets.

This kind of initiative also taps into another important area of focus: sustainability. As organizations work to meet environmental targets and respond to growing expectations around ethical practice, visibly supporting sustainable travel can strengthen employer branding and contribute directly to their ESG initiatives. Over six million miles have been logged by Cycle to Work Day participants so far, helping to avoid vast amounts of carbon emissions. When an individual switches even one commute a week to a bike, the positive environmental impact adds up fast.

Of course, not every employee is in a position to cycle to work. Some live too far away, and others may have health conditions or caring responsibilities. But this doesn’t mean they can’t engage, as the scheme can be adapted to suit different lifestyles. Remote workers might choose to cycle during their lunch break; others may use the bike for weekend family outings. By broadening how the Cycle to Work initiative is framed, employers can make it more inclusive and more meaningful.

It’s also worth considering accessibility more broadly. Adaptive bikes, electric bikes, and inclusive messaging can ensure that those with disabilities or long-term conditions aren’t excluded from participating. 

Cycle to Work Day may be a single date in the calendar, but its potential impact spans far beyond that. When implemented thoughtfully, the scheme can form a key part of a holistic approach to wellbeing, sustainability, and cultureIf you would like support introducing or enhancing a Cycle to Work programme in your organization, or aligning it more closely with your wider people strategy, please get in touch with us today!