Cycling In Summer: Encouraging Staff to Ditch the Car This Season

For many people, summer is the perfect time to rethink the daily commute.

Longer days, warmer weather and brighter mornings make cycling a more appealing option, particularly for employees who may have been reluctant to ride during the colder months. It's also a natural opportunity for employers to encourage healthier, more sustainable travel habits.

If your organisation already offers a Cycle to Work Scheme, summer is the ideal time to promote it. If you're thinking about introducing one, there's no better season to get employees engaged.

By helping staff swap even a few car journeys each week for a bike ride, employers can support wellbeing, reduce environmental impact and strengthen workplace culture, all while making the most of the season.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Promote Cycling

Seasonality plays an important role in commuting habits.

Many employees who wouldn't consider cycling during winter are much more open to the idea when the weather improves. Dry roads, lighter evenings and more comfortable riding conditions make cycling feel both more enjoyable and more achievable.

For employers, this creates an opportunity to introduce new habits that can continue long after summer has ended.

Employees who begin cycling during the warmer months often discover that the benefits, whether that's saving money, improving fitness or avoiding traffic, encourage them to continue throughout the year.

The Benefits of Leaving the Car at Home

Encouraging employees to cycle to work isn't simply about reducing car use. It delivers benefits that extend to both individuals and the organisation.

Supporting Employee Wellbeing

Cycling is an easy way to incorporate regular physical activity into the working day.

Rather than finding extra time to exercise, employees can build movement into an existing routine. Many cyclists also report arriving at work feeling more energised and using the ride home as an opportunity to unwind after a busy day.

Healthier employees can contribute to improved engagement, morale and overall workplace wellbeing.

Reducing Commuting Costs

With fuel prices, parking charges and the cost of public transport continuing to affect household budgets, cycling can offer employees a more affordable way to travel.

Through the Cycle to Work Scheme, eligible employees can spread the cost of a bike and cycling equipment through salary sacrifice, making cycling an even more accessible option.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Every journey made by bike instead of by car helps reduce transport-related emissions.

Encouraging active travel demonstrates that your organisation is taking practical steps to support its sustainability ambitions while giving employees an opportunity to contribute directly to those goals.

For businesses with ESG or Net Zero commitments, promoting cycling is a simple action that can have a meaningful impact.

Remove the Barriers to Getting Started

Some employees may still hesitate, even during the summer.

Fortunately, many of the most common concerns are easy to address.

"My commute is too long."

E-bikes have transformed what's possible for many commuters, making longer distances and hillier routes far more manageable.

"I don't have to cycle every day."

Employees don't need to commit to cycling five days a week.

Even replacing one or two car journeys each week can make a positive difference to wellbeing, commuting costs and carbon emissions.

"I haven't cycled for years."

Many people returning to cycling after a long break quickly regain confidence.

Simple guidance, encouragement and reassurance can help employees take that first step.

Run a Summer Cycling Campaign

A seasonal campaign can generate excitement and increase participation.

Rather than simply reminding employees that the scheme exists, create opportunities for them to get involved.

Ideas include:

• A "Ride to Work Week" challenge.
• Department cycling competitions.
• A "Leave the Car at Home" campaign.
• Sharing cycling tips and route suggestions.
• Spotlighting employees who already cycle.
• Linking activities to wellbeing or sustainability initiatives.

These campaigns don't need to be complicated. Even small activities can encourage conversations about cycling and inspire colleagues to give it a try.

Make Cycling Visible Around the Workplace

Creating a cycle-friendly workplace isn't just about offering a scheme, it's about making employees feel supported.

Practical facilities can make a significant difference, including:

• Secure bike parking
• Showers and changing facilities
• Lockers
• Drying areas for wet weather clothing
• Basic bike maintenance equipment

Not every workplace can offer every facility, but even modest improvements demonstrate that cycling is welcomed and encouraged.

Share Real Employee Stories

Employees are often inspired by colleagues who have already made the switch.

Consider sharing stories about employees who:

• Have saved money by cycling to work.
• Feel fitter and healthier.
• Enjoy a less stressful commute.
• Started with just one cycling day each week.
• Use an e-bike for longer journeys.

Real experiences are relatable, authentic and help employees picture themselves making similar changes.

Don't Let Summer Momentum Fade

One of the biggest opportunities summer presents is the chance to establish lasting habits.

If employees begin cycling during the warmer months and enjoy the experience, many will continue into autumn and beyond.

Keep the momentum going by:

• Sending regular reminders about the Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Celebrating employee success stories.
• Linking cycling to wellbeing campaigns.
• Promoting national cycling events.
• Continuing communications throughout the year.

The goal isn't simply to encourage summer cycling, it's to make active commuting part of your organisation's culture.

A Great Time to Launch Your Cycle to Work Scheme

If your business doesn't yet offer a Cycle to Work Scheme, summer is an excellent time to introduce one.

Employees are naturally more receptive to active travel, making it easier to generate interest and build participation from the outset.

The scheme is straightforward to implement and can support a wide range of business objectives, from employee wellbeing and recruitment to sustainability and employee engagement.

Under the Government's Cycle to Work initiative, employers can provide bikes and eligible safety equipment through a tax-efficient arrangement designed to encourage cycling for commuting.

Make This Summer the Start of Something Bigger

Summer provides the ideal opportunity to inspire positive change.

By encouraging employees to swap the car for a bike, even for part of the week, you can help improve wellbeing, reduce commuting costs, support sustainability goals and create a healthier workplace culture.

At Bike2WorkScheme.co.uk, we make it easy for employers to introduce and promote a successful Cycle to Work Scheme. From straightforward implementation to ongoing support and employee communications, we're here to help you make active commuting part of everyday working life.

Because sometimes the best time to start a new journey is when the sun is shining.