Commuters losing £700 by not cycling to work

New research from the Blackhawk Network finds that Welsh commuters are switching to cycling to work to help navigate the cost-of-living crisis 

·       Almost a third of respondents (33%) feeling concerned about the annual cost of travel 

·       41% of people would prefer to cycle to work than spend money on travel 

·       Over two-thirds (69%) of Brits have started or are considering cycling to work to decrease travel costs 

·       Cycling to work helps people save on average almost £700 a year on travelling to work – which rises to £1,400 for those in Greater London 

·       On average, 75% noticed there was an increase in their commuting costs compared to a year ago

London, 4th August 2021: Cycling to work could save commuters in Wales up to £700 each per year, helping households manage expenditure as they navigate the cost-of-living crisis. This could provide an important saving for many. The cost of travel to work, including fuel prices, is cited as a top concern for almost two-thirds (64%) of employees, second only to utility bills (72%). But despite these worries, over a quarter (27%) of commuters are not fully aware of the annual savings they could make through the simple transition to cycling. These findings come from research conducted by the Blackhawk Network in partnership with Sapio to mark the 10^th anniversary of Cycle to Work Day.   

People want to get on their bikes 

Cycling is gradually becoming the transport method of choice for people up and down the country. And as the average commute is just five miles or less, getting in the saddle is more achievable than many might think. In the last year alone, over one in ten commuters (10%) began cycling to work, and a further 33% are actively considering it.  

However, while cycling is a great way to stay in shape, many people are getting on the saddle because of the rising cost of living. Two-fifths (40%) of those who travel to work by car or motorbike, and 82% of people travelling by train, have noticed a significant increase in the average daily cost of travel compared to a year ago. Almost half (41%) of respondents say they would prefer to cycle to work than spend money on travel. And of those who have started or are considering cycling to work, 69% state this is to decrease travel costs.  

Employers must get the wheels in motion 

With (29%) of employees considering changing their mode of transport to work, employers need to take note and make it easier for staff to access cycling equipment. Especially given that, as we found earlier this year, 85% of employers agree that they have a duty to support their employees as the cost-of-living rises. This is where offering payroll benefit Cyclescheme – part of the Blackhawk Network Extras employee benefits platform, can help by saving staff 25-39% on a bike and accessories. 

This benefits-based support can be a strategic win for businesses that are having trouble persuading staff to return to the office. Over half (52%) of employees state they would be encouraged to come into the office more if their employers offered the Cyclescheme as part of their benefits package.