BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
New research from the Cycle to Work Alliance, demonstrates that the Government’s salary-sacrificing Cycle to Work scheme is playing a role in encouraging more people to take up cycling, driving up trade for the cycling industry. The research found that 61 percent of people did not cycle to work before they signed up to the scheme and 70 percent classed themselves as either novice or occasional cyclists, who are now cycling to work.
The report surveyed over 44,500 cyclists, examining the benefits of the cycle to work scheme and the motivations that drive demand from the users of the scheme, and the employers who offer it.
The Cycle to Work Alliance’s members work with over 2,200 bike retailers across the UK, with many cycle shops reporting that the scheme accounts for a significant proportion of their trade. The Alliance’s research supports this, with 76 percent of participants declaring they would not have bought their bicycles if they had not been offered through the cycle to work scheme.
The Minister for Cycling, Norman Baker MP said:
“I want to support as many people as possible to take to two wheels.
“The benefits of cycling run much deeper than balance sheets or carbon footprints. It’s a crucial life skill as well as offering easy, exhilarating exercise. I would therefore like to thank the Alliance for their support of the Cycle to Work scheme and congratulate them on the positive impact their businesses and services have had in generating awareness and raising cycling levels.”
Keith Scott, Cycle to Work Alliance Representative and Head of Business Services at Halfords said:
“This report confirms that the scheme’s benefits are driving a substantial increase in new cyclists something that is good for health, the environment and sustainable transport. The cycle to work scheme is a successful example of how a financial incentive can be used to stimulate beneficial changes in behaviour."
