The UK's Cycle to Work scheme helps employees buy a bicycle and equipment through salary sacrifice. Its latest figures point to modest growth: certificate volumes in the first half of 2026 were 2.77% higher than in the same period a year earlier. The number of active employer accounts rose from 27,977 to 31,201, extending access to the benefit across more workplaces.
The scheme issued 54,450 certificates between April and June 2026, a 2.33% increase on the second quarter of 2025. Its average transaction value was £1,812. Those figures measure participation and spending within the scheme; they do not show how many bicycles are used for a daily commute or how often their owners ride.
Employer support can reduce the hurdle of paying for a suitable bicycle and essential equipment all at once. Turning a purchase into a lasting travel habit also depends on safe routes, secure parking and practical maintenance. The rise in certificates is therefore a sign of broader access to cycling, while changes in everyday travel need separate evidence.