New Year, New Commute: Why January Is the Best Time to Launch Your Cycle to Work Scheme

January is the season of fresh starts, for individuals and for organisations. Employees return to work with renewed motivation, HR teams roll out new wellbeing initiatives, and businesses set strategic priorities for the year ahead.

It’s also the perfect moment to launch or relaunch your Cycle to Work Scheme.

A January launch aligns powerfully with employee behaviour, company planning cycles, and wellbeing momentum. Whether you’re introducing the scheme for the first time or re-engaging staff, the early weeks of the year offer the greatest opportunity for impact.

Here’s why.

1. January Motivation Makes Behaviour Change Easier

Every New Year brings a surge of personal and professional goal-setting. Employees are:

• looking for healthier habits
   
• seeking ways to save money
   
• wanting to reduce stress
   
• more receptive to employer wellbeing initiatives
   

This mindset creates the ideal environment for encouraging active commuting.

Cycling to work fits perfectly with the most common New Year’s resolutions: get fitter, save money, live more sustainably, and improve mental wellbeing. Launching your scheme during this motivational window increases uptake and long-term engagement.

2. A Strong Start to Your Company’s Year

January is also when organisations revisit goals and budgets. HR, sustainability, and leadership teams typically use this period to:

• refresh benefit offerings
   
• introduce new wellbeing strategies
   
• identify cost-efficient retention tools
   
• plan annual ESG or Net Zero activities
   

By launching a Cycle to Work Scheme now, you’re aligning with wider corporate planning — and sending a clear message:
“We’re investing in our people and our planet this year.”

It’s a highly visible way to demonstrate early action on wellbeing and sustainability commitments.

3. A Cycle to Work Scheme Supports Multiple Business Goals

One of the biggest advantages of launching in January is that a Cycle to Work Scheme directly feeds into key organisational priorities for the year.

✔ Employee wellbeing

Cycling improves physical fitness, boosts mental health, and reduces stress, benefits that contribute to lower absenteeism and higher productivity.

✔ Environmental sustainability

Active travel reduces carbon emissions and supports Scope 3 reporting, a growing focus for ESG and Net Zero targets.

✔ Recruitment and retention

Younger generations expect benefits that support wellbeing and sustainability. A cycling initiative positions your business as a forward-thinking employer.

✔ Cost-effective benefits expansion

Cycle to work schemes are simple to implement, require minimal admin, and are cost-neutral for employers.

Launching in January helps all these benefits land early and build momentum throughout the year.

4. Why a January Launch Drives Higher Engagement

January gives you several natural advantages when promoting the scheme:

Employees are paying attention. Internal communications have higher engagement in January as staff look for updates, opportunities, and new initiatives.

Wellbeing campaigns pair perfectly with cycling. The start of the year is when many organisations run health, fitness, or “Kickstart January” campaigns. Cycling complements these perfectly.

Fresh budgets = smoother approval. If your Cycle to Work Scheme requires leadership sign-off, January timing aligns with budget resets and annual forecasting.

Momentum lasts all year. A strong uptake in January sets the tone for further campaigns in spring, summer and even the annual Cycle to Work Day.

5. How to Successfully Launch in January

A great January launch doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on three key areas: communication, engagement, and support.

Promote the scheme early and clearly

Start raising awareness in December or early January. Use newsletters, intranet posts, posters, or team briefings to highlight:

• benefits of cycling
   
• how the scheme works
   
• how easy it is to join
   

Link the scheme to New Year goals

Use messaging around:
“New Year, New Commute”, “Start the year feeling energised”, or “Save money and feel better in 2025”.

Create January challenges or incentives

Examples include:

• Cycle 50 miles in January
   
• Commute by bike at least once a week
   
• Prize draw for new sign-ups
   

Provide practical support

Small commitments make a big difference: secure bike parking, access to showers, or flexible start times for active commuters.Make sign-up as simple as possible

Working with a provider like Bike2WorkScheme.co.uk removes administrative barriers and ensures a seamless experience for HR and employees.

6. Why Choose Bike2WorkScheme.co.uk for Your January Rollout?

Launching a scheme in January is easy with the right partner.

Bike 2 Work Scheme offer

• Simple setup with minimal admin
   
• Clear employer guidance and employee-friendly communications
   
• Digital tools to support onboarding and claim processing
   
• Access to thousands of bikes and retailers, including e-bikes
   
• Support for inclusivity, ensuring all employees can participate
   

We help you turn your January wellbeing goals into real, measurable outcomes.

Final Thought: Make 2026 the Year Your Commuting Culture Changes

January is more than just a fresh start — it’s a strategic opportunity.

Launching your Cycle to Work Scheme now allows you to:

• harness employee motivation
   
• demonstrate commitment to wellbeing and sustainability
   
• strengthen your employer brand
   
• drive meaningful culture change across the year
   

If you’re ready to make launching a cycle scheme part of your company's journey in 2026, we are here to help you launch with confidence