Almost two-thirds (60%) of employee respondents believe that cycling to work improves their productivity, according to research by the Cycle to Work Alliance.
The study, based on responses from 13,148 employees and 352 employers who participate in a bikes-for-work scheme provided by one of the four Cycle to Work Alliance members, also found that 86% of employee respondents notice health benefits from cycling to work.
The research also found:
- Of those respondents who have reported health benefits, 89% say cycling to work has improved general fitness, just over half (52%) believe it has contributed to weight loss, and 46% say it has helped reduce stress levels.
- Over half (56%) of employer respondents cite improving staff wellbeing as the main motivator for offering a bikes-for-work scheme.
- 77% of employer respondents say the bikes-for-work scheme has a positive impact on their organisation in relation to employees’ health, and 52% agree that it plays an important role in staff engagement.
Steve Edgell, chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance and managing director of Cycle Solutions, said: "With organisations increasingly aware of the importance of developing a workplace that promotes employee wellbeing and health, it is clear that from a business perspective, the scheme is making a big contribution in these areas.
“This research also shows that by making physical activity an integral part of people’s lifestyles, the scheme is an effective mechanism for encouraging non and novice cyclists to cycle regularly, and achieving a step-change in behaviour.”
