New research from employee benefits platform BHN Extras has found that 49% of UK consumers cannot afford to buy a bike outright.
A survey of 2,000 employed respondents found that 25% of those that can’t afford a bike upfront would need to save for six months, and 50% would be more likely to purchase a bike by splitting the cost.
Though cost is a barrier to cycling, cycling to work has increased by 13% from 19% in 2023 to 32% in 2024. BHN Extra’s research finds this could increase in 2025, with 34% of respondents considering adding cycling to their commute.
Salary sacrifice schemes
The research found that 67% of UK consumers said they’d be more likely to cycle if they had support from their employer.
According to Adrian Warren, Senior Director of Product Management at BHN Extras, schemes like BHN Extra’s Cycle to Work scheme – an employee benefit that requires no upfront payment from employees – are key to breaking down financial barriers to cycling.
Earlier this year, shared operator Forest launched its Cycle to Work scheme in the UK which lets employees ride for 60 minutes per day for £1.
“In helping people afford bikes, salary sacrifice schemes have proven to be a powerful tool in achieving this. By enabling employees to purchase bikes and accessories through pre-tax salary deductions, these schemes offer substantial financial benefits,” Adrian said.
“The Cycle to Work scheme is a prime example. Its implementation has led to a surge in bike sales and a notable increase in cycling commuters, with millions of Brits using the scheme over the past 25 years. This success is largely attributed to its ability to reduce the upfront cost of bike ownership and provide ongoing financial savings through tax relief.”
Adrian also said that the Cycle to Work scheme could benefit younger employees who are paid at or below the minimum wage level. This is because the scheme can embed cycling commuting as a behaviour at the start of their career when alternative transport like car ownership or season tickets are not financially accessible.
Nevertheless, he believes salary sacrifice schemes should not be used as a standalone solution, and calls for initiatives that address the broader cost of cycling such as bike maintenance, insurance, and secure storage.
“A diverse cycling community is a thriving one. By making cycling accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, we can create a more inclusive and appealing mode of transport. This diversity will lead to a more robust cycling culture, with a greater demand for cycling infrastructure and services.”
