Cycle to work sector continues to grow in face of 2026’s cost of living crisis

Bicycles are picking up the transport slack in the UK’s challenged economy, according to the latest statistics from the Cycle to Work Alliance.

Pooling numbers from some of the UK’s largest cycle to work providers, the Alliance reported growth in the first half of 2026; C2W certificates were up 2.77% year-on-year, from 87,180 in H1 2025, to 89,599 in H1 2026. Active employer accounts rose from 27,977 in H1 2025 to 31,201 in H1 2026.

The numbers could be seen to indicate that more of the nation are getting in the saddle, a likelihood increased by the current inflationary costs hitting UK households – not least in terms of increasing fuel costs that affect the 80% of households that have access to a car.

Presumably the numbers mean growth for the cycling industry in general terms.

UK economy reaps benefit of cycling investment

Research group Ortus found that the Scheme delivers £4.40 in socioeconomic benefits for every £1 of public investment, with an estimated £531.9 million in net additional benefits generated in 2024 alone. The research also estimated £407 million in benefits associated with reduced premature mortality and improved health outcomes, while healthier employees and fewer sick days generated an estimated £15.1 million through reduced absenteeism and £27.7 million in additional GVA for the UK economy.

Quarterly breakdown

Q2 2026 saw the Alliance issue 54,450 Cycle to Work certificates, up 2.33% compared to the same period last year. The number of active employer accounts also grew to 17,700, up from 15,653 in Q2 2025, demonstrating the Scheme’s continued expansion and increasing availability to employees across the UK.

As is typical for the season, activity increased significantly during the spring and early summer months, with demand building from a quieter first quarter of the year. The latest figures come as the cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets and the Government considers how best to help people manage everyday costs. The Alliance pointed out that Cycle to Work Scheme offers a ready-made solution, helping employees make their commute more affordable while removing some of the upfront financial barriers to choosing cycling.

The combination of increased certificate volumes and an average transaction value of £1,812 also highlights the long-term value of the scheme, with employees consistently choosing it as an accessible and affordable way to purchase a quality bike and equipment through salary sacrifice.

“Nearly a fifth would not have purchased a bike without C2W”

The growth in participation also points to the impact of making cycling more accessible. Independent research commissioned by the Cycle to Work Alliance and conducted by Ortus found that nearly a fifth (19%) of Scheme users would not have purchased a bike without the scheme, demonstrating the role it can play in overcoming one of the biggest barriers to taking up cycling.

As the scheme reaches more workplaces, that impact has the potential to grow, said the Alliance. With active employer accounts reaching 17,700 in Q2, more employees can access an affordable route into cycling – with benefits that extend far beyond the initial purchase of a bike.

Steve Edgell, Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, said: “These figures demonstrate the continued strength of the Cycle to Work Scheme. We’re seeing more employers offering the benefit, more employees taking advantage of it, and continued confidence from participants investing in quality bikes and equipment. At a time when affordability remains an important consideration for many households, the Scheme continues to make cycling more accessible while supporting active travel and delivering real value for employers and employees alike.

“We want to see even more people benefiting from the Scheme, which is why continuing to raise awareness among employers and employees will be key to encouraging more people to choose cycling as part of their everyday journeys.”

For employees such as 29-year-old European Financial Controller Jamie Spencer, greater access to the Scheme has translated into tangible savings and a healthier, less stressful commute. Having used the Scheme twice, Jamie credits it with making a quality bike more affordable and encouraging him to cycle regularly.

Jamie Spencer said: “The Cycle to Work Scheme was the catalyst that got me cycling regularly. Being able to spread the cost made investing in a good-quality bike much more manageable. I save around £70–£80 a month by cycling rather than relying solely on public transport, but the benefits go far beyond money. I feel fitter and healthier, my commute is less stressful and I arrive at work feeling more focused and positive. It’s been one of the most valuable workplace benefits I’ve used.”

Jamie’s experience reflects the wider impact identified by the Ortus research, said the Alliance, demonstrating how removing the financial barrier to cycling can deliver benefits that extend beyond affordability to health, wellbeing and the everyday commute.