With 2026 on the horizon, wellbeing, engagement and sustainability continue to shape the future of the workplace. Organisation leaders want benefits that make a measurable difference to employee health while supporting wider corporate goals. For many employers, the Cycle to Work Scheme offers a simple and cost-effective way to provide these advantages at scale. 

Cycling benefits stand out because they support physical activity, reduce stress, and encourage more sustainable commuting choices. Through Cyclescheme, organisations can give employees affordable access to bikes, e-bikes and accessories, helping them build healthier routines, feel more connected to their work, and contribute to a lower-carbon culture.

This blog explores how cycling benefits can improve your workplace in 2026, and how Cyclescheme makes it easy to deliver long-term value for your people and your organisation.

Enhancing employee wellbeing and engagement through cycling benefits in 2026

Workplace expectations continue to evolve as employees place increasingly greater value on meaningful benefits that genuinely improve daily life. In 2026, wellbeing will need to become an even more central part of corporate strategy, with heavy investment in initiatives that help people stay healthy, engaged and productive.

Cycling benefits fit directly into this shift by supporting regular physical activity and helping employees manage both physical and mental demands. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health, build resilience and reduce stress, all of which contribute to fewer sick days and a more focused workforce. In a recent study, 82% of Cyclescheme participants said they felt less stressed after commuting by bike.

Better wellbeing often translates into better engagement. When employees feel physically well and mentally supported, productivity improves, and motivation increases. Cycling benefits also give people greater control over how they travel, which contributes to a sense of autonomy and empowerment.

Not only does this offer of support engage and retain existing employees, but it also sends a message to potential new hires that your organisation takes mental and physical health and wellbeing seriously. This can attract higher quality future talent.

Supporting corporate sustainability and ESG goals

Sustainability is another core focus for organisations in 2026, with many looking for practical ways to reduce emissions and demonstrate responsible leadership. The Cycle to Work Scheme contributes directly to these goals by encouraging active travel, which reduces the environmental impact of the daily commute. When more employees are empowered to cycle, organisations can show they are taking meaningful steps towards their carbon-reduction strategies.

Combining the scheme with added support initiatives such as onsite cycling infrastructure (secure storage, showers or charging points for e-bikes) helps to build a culture where sustainable choices feel natural for employees.

Cycling benefits also integrate easily with broader mobility or green transport policies. Whether your organisation promotes public transport, electric vehicle adoption or flexible commuting, cycling provides an accessible and complementary option.

How to implement cycling benefits successfully in 2026

Introducing cycling benefits works best when employers take a strategic approach that supports awareness, participation and long-term engagement. Clear internal communication is an essential first step. Launching with simple, consistent messaging helps employees understand what the scheme offers, how it works and why it matters. Many organisations use email announcements, intranet updates and manager briefings to build early interest.

Practical support also plays an important role. Employers can enhance Cyclescheme by investing in workplace facilities such as secure bike storage, showers or drying areas. These additions help employees feel confident about cycling to work and remove common barriers. Some organisations take this further by offering cycle mileage policies or combining cycling benefits with wider wellbeing programmes and incentives.

Once set up, employees choose the equipment they want, and the cost is spread over monthly salary deductions. Because these deductions happen before tax, employees save money, and employers typically save on National Insurance contributions. It is a cost-neutral benefit that enhances your overall package without increasing budget commitments.

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How Cyclescheme works for employers

Many employers want to offer cycling benefits but need a simple, low-admin way to do it. Cyclescheme is designed to make this easy, whether you manage a small team or a large, multi-site workforce. The programme runs through salary sacrifice, which allows employees to access bikes, e-bikes and accessories in a tax-efficient way.

Cyclescheme’s digital tools make onboarding straightforward. Employers gain access to an online platform that streamlines applications, simplifies approval workflows and provides resources to help promote the scheme internally. This reduces admin for HR and payroll teams and ensures the scheme runs smoothly from the start.

Measuring success is another important step for 2026. Organisations can track wellbeing improvements, participation rates, emissions reductions and employee feedback to understand the impact of cycling benefits over time. These insights help shape future wellbeing and sustainability strategies and demonstrate value to senior leaders.

Learn more about how Cyclescheme works >

Strengthen your workplace in 2026 with Cyclescheme

As organisations look ahead to 2026, cycling benefits offer a practical way to support the goals that matter most: stronger wellbeing, higher engagement and meaningful progress towards sustainability. By encouraging active travel and giving employees access to affordable bikes and accessories, employers can create a healthier, more motivated workforce while reducing the environmental impact of commuting.

Visit our Employer Hub to learn how Cyclescheme can help you strengthen your workplace in 2026 >

Frequently asked questions about cycling benefits in 2026

What are the key benefits of running a Cycle to Work Scheme in 2026?

The Cycle to Work Scheme helps employees boost physical and mental health whilst spreading the cost in a tax-efficient, manageable way. Cycling supports improved focus and reduced absenteeism, contributing to higher energy, better engagement and a stronger sense of overall company wellbeing.

How does the Cycle to Work Scheme work for employers and employees?

The Cycle to Work Scheme operates through salary sacrifice. Employees choose a bike or e-bike and accessories, and the cost is spread over monthly deductions taken from their gross salary. This reduces the amount of tax and National Insurance they pay. Employers also save on National Insurance contributions and can offer the scheme at no additional cost. Cyclescheme provides digital tools, support and guidance to make onboarding and management simple for HR and payroll teams.

How can cycling benefits support sustainability and ESG goals?

Cycling benefits reduce the carbon impact of commuting by encouraging active travel. This supports 2026 sustainability plans, carbon-reduction strategies and wider ESG commitments. Participation in Cyclescheme can contribute to emissions reporting, sustainable travel plans and workplace wellbeing metrics. When combined with supportive infrastructure, cycling benefits help organisations build a visible culture of responsible and low-carbon commuting.

Is Cyclescheme cost-effective for employers to implement?

Yes. Cyclescheme is cost-neutral for employers and can even generate savings through reduced National Insurance contributions. The salary sacrifice model means no direct costs, and the digital platform keeps administration time low. Employers gain a high-value benefit that supports wellbeing, engagement and sustainability without you business increasing benefits spend.

What workplace improvements support cycling uptake among employees?

Employers can increase participation by providing secure bike storage, showers, changing facilities, drying areas and clear guidance about cycling routes or local infrastructure. Cycle mileage policies or links with broader wellbeing programmes can also strengthen engagement. These improvements help employees feel confident and supported when choosing to cycle to work, enhancing the impact of Cyclescheme.