2013 sees cycle to work scheme record set

Record numbers of employees joined the cycle to work scheme last year providing a major boost to commuting by bike.

New figures from the Cycle to Work Alliance saw a 16.4% increase in interest from 2012, with 164,000 more workers switching to two wheels, the biggest surge since 2010. 

Halfords, a pioneer of Cycle to Work and the UK’s No 1 nationwide provider, said the trend reflected the growing support given to cyclists in Britain’s towns and cities.

This growth marks out the past twelve months as the best year for the scheme as employers increasingly recognise the importance of encouraging healthy lifestyle choices among their staff.

Halfords Corporate Sales Manager, Charles Ashwell said: “It is extremely encouraging to see this growing demand from employees looking to enjoy the benefits of cycle to work and shows the growing momentum for commuting by bike.

"There's a huge enthusiasm for the cycle to work scheme and we are helping hundreds of companies who want to bring their colleagues the benefits of cycling to work."

The scheme’s success over the past year demonstrates the role it plays in encouraging new cyclists in ever greater numbers, to commute to work by bike.

Halfords which is celebrating its 10th year of offering tax efficient Cycle to Work has seen a growing number of women as well as men joining the programme

The increased profile of cycling in recent times, sparked by the 2012 Olympics and the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group’s Get Britain Cycling report, has generated interest among commuters in getting back on their bikes. With Yorkshire set to host a leg of this year’s Tour de France, this trend looks set to continue.   

Cycle to Work Alliance added: “Registering our best ever year demonstrates that the scheme remains a proven method of encouraging cycling take-up across the country and remains a critical tool for Government to deliver sustainable transport and public health objectives."

A survey showed 85% of cyclists noticed their health improving, 84% of users rate the scheme as important and easy way to keep fit and 97% of businesses see the scheme is an important way to encourage a healthy workforce.

Scheme users are cycling a total of 13,222,620 miles per week and 67% of participants would commute to work by car if they did not use a bike.

-ENDS-

Louise Iles

Email: louise.iles@halfords.co.uk

Tel: 01527 513206

With over 100 years experience of selling cycles, Halfords are the UK's number one bike specialist. At Halfords, we understand that selling a bike is more than providing it in a box. That is why we offer free* bike build at your local Halfords store even if you buy online and have your bike delivered to your door. We'll also fit free of charge any accessories you've bought at the same time as your bike, whether bought online or in store. We also offer a six-week free health check on your bike.

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