Cycling UK’s initiative delivers £56 million in benefits over decade

Cycling has generated significant social and economic value in the UK since the launch of the Big Bike Revival initiative in 2015, with millions of new cycling trips created for commuting and leisure, according to Cycling UK.

In its recent report, Cycling UK stated that cycling had generated £56.3 million in total benefits, including £47.9 million in health savings from reduced risk of early death and £11.6 million saved by employers through reduced absenteeism.

Moreover, every £1 invested returned £4.3 in benefits to the economy, health and environment. £12 million was saved in transport mode shift benefits through reduced congestion and improved air quality, while £5.7 million was reinvested into local economies through grants to community organisations.

Aside from the economic and social value, over the past decade, a total of 24 million cycling trips were created, including commuting, errands and leisure. Additionally, nearly 10 million car trips were replaced by cycling, which helped reduce congestion in towns and cities, resulting in the avoidance of 9,295 tonnes of CO2.

“The Big Bike Revival has been the biggest show of force for how cycling can make our communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous. Cycling is often underestimated for its impacts, but ten years of The Big Bike Revival has proven that small changes to our transport habits can have a hugely positive effect,” said James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK.

The study also highlighted some health benefits. For example, 86% of the participants reported improved mental wellbeing, while 61% said they became fitter and more physically active.

The Big Bike Revival initiative offers free events, workshops and training sessions for the public to fix their bikes and learn new skills. By partnering with over a thousand local groups and organisations, the programme has successfully reached communities and marginalised groups that might otherwise have been overlooked. Originally launched in Manchester, West Yorkshire and Liverpool, The Big Bike Revival has since expanded into a national initiative, helping to make cycling more inclusive and empowering for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

“For a decade, The Big Bike Revival has been breaking down barriers and bringing the joy of cycling back to communities across Britain. What makes this initiative so powerful is its focus on inclusivity—reaching people where they are and showing them that cycling can be for everyone,” said Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner.

Looking ahead, Cycling UK is urging the government to continue funding national programmes through local delivery partnerships, maintain a healthy balance between revenue and capital in transport funding, commit at least 10% of the transport budget to cycling, walking and wheeling, and secure multi-year investment to enable efficient, long-term programming that delivers lasting impact.