Robust H1 2024 with 88,500 cycle to work certificates issued

A total of 88,480 cycle to work certificates were issued in the first half of 2024, according to the Cycle to Work Alliance, splitting down as 35,821 in Q1 (through 11,964 active employer accounts) and 52,659 in Q2 (through 12,289 active employer accounts).

That performance has lead the Alliance to predict Q3 will continue to start strong and continue that positive trend. The Cycle to Work Alliance comprises Halfords, Evans, Vivup, Cycle Scheme and Cycle Solutions.

Celebrating its 25 year anniversary today (1 August 2024 – also Cycle to Work Day), the cycle to work initiative has helped more than two million people saddle up in the last decade. Cyclescheme alone hit its 1 million certificate milestone back in 2022 Alliance stats found that 60% of participants would drive to work if they didn’t cycle. 90% of employers noted healthier workforces with the majority of users reporting improved mental health.

Affordability

The cycle to work initiative’s 25th anniversary comes at a time when consumers are struggling with inflation. According to research from BHN, almost half of the UK cannot afford to buy a bike outright. A quarter of those say it would take at least six months to save for one.

A sobering point, but on the basis of bicycles as transport, this places bicycles firmly alongside cars, which are rarely bought outright and instead ‘bought’ via finance, PCP, leasing and similar devices. That’s an area where – for the UK cycle industry – the cycle to work initiative has slotted into.

That BHN data touches on diversity too, with 58% feeling they ‘don’t fit the bill’ of the typical demographic of cyclists (leaning towards young, male and Londoners). That’s a significant challenge and opportunity for the trade to tackle, which we have been regularly tapping into in CIN this year.

The trade nitty-gritty

While the positive role cycle to work has played in terms of health, congestion and the environment is plain to see, there are significant questions over its current state, and the burden placed on (also inflation hit) independent bike dealers to support the scheme. Currently there is momentum within the industry to see some kind of reform of C2W to relieve some of the financial burden placed on independent bike dealers accepting cycle to work certificates. Encouragingly, earlier this year the Alliance and the Association of Cycle Traders said that: “The Cycle to Work Alliance and its individual members will continue to engage with the Association of Cycle Traders on the experience of independent bike retailers to ensure the scheme works for everyone.”

CIN Market Data indicates that cycle to work is significant to independent cycle retailers, with 37% handling consistent amounts of C2W business compared with the previous year, and 38% seeing more C2W business than in the previous year.

Chris Last, Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, said: “The Cycle to Work Scheme has been a cornerstone in promoting sustainable transportation and healthier lifestyles. Our recent data highlights the scheme’s resilience and its crucial role in stabilising the bicycle market, especially during fluctuating economic times. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Scheme, we are proud of the positive impact it has had on millions of commuters and the environment. The Scheme’s continued success is a testament to its importance and the commitment of the Alliance to adapt and meet the needs of modern commuters.”

The Alliance added: “We are committed to making the next 25 years of the Scheme even bigger and better, ensuring it remains the cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and healthier choice for commuting.”