If you want to feel better, move more, and enjoy a commute with active travel that’s beneficial for both your mind and your body, cycling is a great place to start. And if you can save money at the same time, that’s even better.

This is why Cyclescheme is so popular with employees. It helps you get a bike, e-bike and other cycling accessories through your employer, then spread the cost through affordable salary sacrifice payments. That means you can save up to 47% on all your cycling equipment through the scheme, and pay for it in a way that feels far more manageable. The real value, however, goes beyond just the savings.

Cycling can change how you start your day, how you feel at work, and how you take care of yourself every single day. It can help you feel calmer, fitter, less rushed, and less stuck in the same old travelling and commuting patterns. And with Cyclescheme offering access to a huge range of bikes through over 2,600 retailers, there’s always a way to ride that fits you, whether you’re brand new to cycling or already deep into the two-wheel lifestyle.

So, what is cycling good for? Here are the health benefits you can reap every day with Cyclescheme.

What are the benefits of cycling?

This is a question anyone will ask themselves when considering participating in the cycle to work scheme or making cycling a part of their everyday lifestyle.

Cycling is a physical activity that gives you a simple way to build movement into your routine without needing to carve out extra time in your day. Instead of trying to “find time” to exercise or stick to some kind of rigid training plan, your commute can become part of how you look after yourself. That brings real physical health benefits.

Regular cycling can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your legs and core, support joint mobility, and help you manage your weight. It’s also a low-impact form of exercise, which makes it easier on your joints than some other activities. That matters if you’re easing back into fitness, carrying an injury, or just want something that feels sustainable.

There’s also the bigger picture. When you cycle more often, even for short journeys, it all adds up. Recent research shows that even cycling for just 30 minutes a day, three times a week, is tied to a 24% reduction in all causes of mortality, which means cycling is great for your overall longevity.

Plus, a few rides a week also means more fresh air, more movement, and less time spent sitting still in traffic or squeezed onto packed trains or buses. It’s one of those habits that can start small but soon adds up to a big difference.

What is cycling good for beyond fitness?

Yes, cycling is great for your body and it has plenty of physical health benefits. But what is cycling good for when it comes to your mind, mood and everyday wellbeing? Well, quite a lot as it turns out.

Cycling can make a huge difference for reducing and relieving stress. It gives you breathing space before work, as well as a chance to mentally refresh and reset after it. Instead of starting the day frustrated by delays, crowds, or traffic jams, you get time outside. Time to move, time to think, or time not to think if that’s what you need. In fact, a Cyclescheme survey revealed that 82% of participants said they felt less stressed after cycle commuting.

This is proof that the change in pace cycling offers as a physical activity has a real impact on your mental health too. Commuting can drain you before your working day even begins. Sitting in traffic is tiring, packed trains are uncomfortable, and delays are frustrating. Cycling can turn your commute around, ensuring you arrive where you’re going feeling awake, more alert, and often in a better mood. This is one of the main reasons so many riders stick with it. It doesn’t just get you from A to B, it also helps you feel more like yourself when you get there.

Cyclescheme has long championed the feel-good side of commuting, and it’s easy to see why. Cycling gives you a sense of freedom that other commutes often don’t. You’re not waiting around or trapped in queues, but instead moving at your own pace every day. That’s powerful for your wellbeing and your mental health.

Is cycling better than running?

Cycle to work schemes don’t mean you only need to use your bike for commuting. You can use it for everyday exercise whenever you please, which leads to the question: is cycling better than running? The honest answer is that it depends on you, your goals and what you enjoy enough to keep on doing. But for many people, cycling can be the more realistic, more repeatable option.

Running is great for improving cardiovascular health by getting your heart rate up, but it can be harder on the body, especially if you’re just getting started or returning after time away from fitness. Cycling is generally lower impact, which means less strain and up to 90% less pressure on your joints such as your knees, hips, and ankles. That can make it more comfortable and more sustainable for a wider range of people.

Cycling is a physical activity that’s also easier to build into daily life. For example, you wouldn’t run to work and build up a sweat in your office clothes. However, you can cycle to work at your own pace, turning your commute into regular movement that’s also comfortable from start to finish. That makes cycling easier to stick with for many people, and the best form of exercise is usually the one you’ll actually keep doing consistently.

So, is cycling better than running? For some people, yes. Especially if you want a way to improve fitness that’s gentler on your body, supports your mental wellbeing, and makes your commute feel less like dead time.

A bike for every body and every fitness level

One of the best things about Cyclescheme is that it isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you don’t need to be a serious cyclist to take part in the scheme. You just need the right bike for the way you want to ride.

Through Cyclescheme, you can choose from a huge range of bikes, accessories, and cycling safety gear through over 2,600 retailers across the UK. So whether you want a classic commuter bike, a sturdy hybrid, a mountain bike for weekend trails, or an e-bike to make longer journeys feel easier, you’ve got options.

And options make a world of difference. If you’re already confident on a bike, you might want something performance-focused or adventure-ready that really helps to get your heart rate going. If you’re less experienced or a beginner, returning to cycling after years away, or worried about hills and distance on the cycle paths available to you, an electric bike could be the perfect fit as it gives you support when you need it and helps make cycling feel more accessible from day one.

That’s a big part of what makes Cyclescheme such a feel-good choice. It meets you where you are. You don’t have to become “a cyclist” overnight, and you can simply ride your way.

Saving money can support your wellbeing too

Health and wellbeing aren’t only about physical activity and fresh air. Feeling financially stretched can take a real toll too, which is another reason Cyclescheme stands out.

With Cyclescheme, you can save up to 47% on a bike, e-bike and accessories such as helmets and cycling gear, because payments are taken from your salary before tax and National Insurance deductions. You also spread the cost through interest-free monthly payments, which makes getting the bike you want feel far more doable. That can ease a major barrier for people who want to cycle but feel put off by the upfront cost.

A good bike is an investment in your health, but that doesn’t mean it always feels affordable in one go. Cyclescheme helps remove that pressure so you get access to the bike and kit you need without the financial sting. And when money worries are lower, that helps your overall wellbeing too. It’s simple really: save more, stress less.

You could also save on everyday travel costs by riding more, and by driving or using public transport less. For many people, that means spending less on fuel, parking, and fares over time. So the wellbeing boost doesn’t stop with the bike itself. It carries into your monthly budget too.

Small change, big impact

You don’t need to make huge lifestyle changes to improve your wellbeing. Sometimes, one smart change can set lots of other good things in motion. More physical activity, more fresh air, better mornings with less stress, and all of this achieved without any financial strain. That’s what makes Cyclescheme such a strong option for anyone looking to improve their health and overall wellbeing.

If you’ve been wondering what are the benefits of cycling and Cyclescheme, the answer is clear: it supports your health, your general fitness, your mood, and your routine. It’s a low-impact way to stay fit that’s accessible to everyone and is easy to build into your daily life. Most of all, it makes that healthier choice easier to afford and easier to start. That’s why, as the UK’s original cycle to work scheme, Cyclescheme is trusted by over 50,000 employers and more than 1.2 million riders.

So if you’re ready to make a positive change to your body, mind, and overall wellbeing by implementing bike riding into your day-to-day activities, Cyclescheme is the way to go. And there’s no time like the present to start peddling.

What are the benefits of cycling with Cyclescheme FAQs

What is cycling good for if you’re just getting started with Cyclescheme?

Cyclescheme makes it easier to begin with manageable monthly repayments, no upfront payment, and access to bikes, e-bikes and kit that support regular physical activity.

What are the benefits of cycling through Cyclescheme if I want to lose weight?

Cycling can support weight loss because it’s a practical cardio exercise you can build into your week. With Cyclescheme, riding to work can make weight loss goals feel more realistic whilst still resulting in calorie burn.

Is cycling better than running for people who want a lower-impact cardio option?

For many riders, yes. Cycling is a lower-impact cardio exercise that can still challenge major muscle groups and result in calorie burn while being gentler on joints and improving heart health, which helps people stay consistent.

Can Cyclescheme help me choose the right bike for local cycle routes?

Yes. With over 2,600 retailers, Cyclescheme gives you more choice for different cycle paths, whether you need a commuter bike, hybrid, folding bike, or e-bike for mixed terrain.

Does cycling through Cyclescheme only help with cardio fitness?

No. Alongside cardio exercise, cycling can result in calorie burn whilst also supporting muscle benefits by working several muscle groups at once. Over time, regular riding can also help maintain muscle mass.

What are the benefits of cycling for long-term health?

Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Choosing Cyclescheme can make that healthy routine easier to afford and easier to stick with over time.

Is cycling better than running if I want a greener commute?

Cycling to work can cut your carbon footprint and contributions to air pollution while building more physical activity into your day. Cyclescheme helps you make that switch whilst being less high-impact and strenuous on your joints than running.

Can I use Cyclescheme if I only want accessories or gear for safer cycle routes?

Yes. Cyclescheme can be used for eligible accessories too, so you can get kit like lights, locks and helmets that make early starts and darker cycle routes feel more manageable.

What is cycling good for if I want motivation to keep going?

Cyclescheme offers extras like a free insurance period and access to its Strava Club, which can help you stay motivated, track progress, support weight loss, and feel part of a wider cycling culture.

What are the benefits of cycling with Cyclescheme if I want to ride for years, not weeks?

Cyclescheme is built for repeat use over time, so once one agreement ends, you can apply again. That makes it easier to keep upgrading for new cycle paths, new goals, weight loss, and lasting protection against cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.