Cycle to Work Day 2022

What is Cycle to Work Day?

Cycle to Work Day, also known as bike to work day, is a day where we celebrate commuting to work via bicycle.

Cycle to Work Day is a chance for employees to give cycling to work a try with the support and backing of their employer.

There are lots of benefits to cycling to work and this day provides an opportunity for employees across the country to see the benefits for themselves.

 When is Cycle to Work Day 2022?

This year Cycle to Work Day falls on Thursday 4^th August.

Cycle to Work Day is now in its tenth year and is the UK’s biggest cycling commuting event.

Cycle to Work Day is for everyone able to cycle to work.

Whether it’s greasing up the chain and brakes of a bike you haven’t used in a while, renting a bike, or using one of London’s Boris bikes, cycling to work is celebrated across the UK.

Cycle to Work Day ideas?

Engaging employees to be a part of Cycle to Work Day is no easy task.

Promoting days like this in the UK can be difficult, especially with the unpredictable weather and busy workloads most employees have.

However, with cycle lanes becoming more and more popular across the country, cycling to work is becoming increasingly accessible, safe, and convenient.

So here are four ideas to help you plan Cycle to Work Day:

1. Deliver a webinar on the importance of physical wellbeing

Our health is the most important aspect of our existence. Without our health, we’re unable to do many of the things we want to.

Cycling to work is a great way to improve our health and physical wellbeing, but many of us don’t understand why our physical wellbeing is so important.

Delivering educational webinars on the importance of our physical wellbeing can help employees understand the benefits of looking after their health. While encouraging cycling to work as a great way to get started.

At Loving Life we deliver an informative, educational and fun, 30 minute “Improve Your Physical Wellbeing” webinar which highlights the benefits of looking after our health and staying active.

2. Create Cycle to Work challenges and incentives

Creating challenges around Cycle to Work Day can naturally increase uptake and participation.

Competition gives a reason for employees to take part and helps to motivate and encourage individuals to put more effort towards the challenge.

Cycle to work competitions could be based on who has cycled to work the most, or who has cycled the furthest distance.

Whatever the competition, make sure it’s fun, challenging but most of all that’s it’s safe.

3. Hire Guest speakers

Hiring guest speakers for your business can help to boost morale, increase motivation and more!

Hiring someone to specifically talk about the benefits of cycling and share how cycling has helped to benefit their life can help to inspire others.

If you have the budget, hiring an ex-Olympian cyclist like Chris Hoy or another well-known cyclist could be really inspirational in increasing employee uptake in cycling to work.

4. Provide information on the cycle to work scheme

Some employees are simply unaware the cycle to work scheme exists.

If this is your first time hearing about it then we have some more information on it further down this blog.

If you know all about it and want to encourage your employees to sign up, here is their official website.

Other things to consider for Cycle to Work Day

It’s also important to ensure you have designated cycle sheds for employees to lock their bikes

Cycling to work is becoming more convenient and accessible than ever, but if employees don’t have a safe space to lock their bikes upon arrival, they may feel discouraged and less enthused to make this a regular thing.

Whether it’s providing information on convenient local places to lock bikes or providing a designated space for employees, ensure that this is communicated properly with staff.

Transport for London offer clear guidance on cycle parking for businesses which you can check out here!

What is the Cycle to Work Scheme?

The cycle to work scheme is a scheme that provides an incentive to encourage employees to cycle to work.

Employees are able to hire a bike through the scheme and pay monthly hire costs.  

This means employees don’t have the big upfront cost of the bike and can give it back at the end of the scheme or opt to purchase it if they chose the “Own it later” package.

The government scheme was introduced to promote healthier journeys to work and reduce pollution.

For government guidance on the cycle to work scheme, click here.

Is the Cycle to Work Scheme worth it?

The cycle to work scheme has many benefits but some of us are unsure if it’s really worth doing.

Let’s go over some of the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.

Pros of the cycle to work scheme

• No upfront bike cost
• Employers can save money because of the reduction in National Insurance Contributions
• Better for the environment
• No tube or train hustle and bustle
• No need to struggle looking for parking
• Could save employees money in the long run due to not paying for travel
• Helps to improve physical health and wellbeing

Cons of the cycle to work scheme

• Employees don’t technically own the bike (Although can use it as if it’s yours)
• Employees have to pay for maintenance and repairs
• If employees don’t use it often enough it may not be financially viable
• Employees can only use bike shops that work with the scheme
• The paperwork has to be authorised before you can collect the bike

 

5 Cycle to Work Day facts

 

1. Cycling is three times faster than walking with the same energy expenditure. According to action aid, cycling at three times the speed of walking expends the same amount of energy but gets you to your destination faster.

2. In England and Wales approximately 760,000 people chose a bike as their method of commuting to work every day.

3. Cycling to work is generally the cheapest form of commuting other than walking. According to cycle scheme. Annually it costs approximately £396 to cycle to work, £1080 to travel on public transport, and driving to work £2388.

4. People who cycle to work generally have better blood pressure, insulin levels and triglyceride levels. Those who cycle to work also report better feelings of freedom, relaxation and excitement in comparison to car commuters.

5. Cycling to work can boost your immune system and on average those who cycle to work take one less sick day per year. This saves the UK economy almost £83M. Cycling to work keeps you outside which increases your Vitamin D levels, therefore benefiting your immune system.

Author –

Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker

BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation