City Bike Hire will reduce the cost of the Santander Cycles annual membership for employers who have nominated Cyclescheme as their cycle to work provider.

Cyclescheme, part of Blackhawk Network and the UK’s leading cycle to work scheme provider, today announces a new collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), City Bike Hire. 

City Bike Hire will reduce the cost of the Santander Cycles annual membership for employers who have nominated Cyclescheme as their cycle to work provider. With the scheme making cycling more affordable, commuters can break up their journeys using Santander Cycles to get around the capital and avoid any overcrowded trains or buses during London’s rush hour once offices begin to reopen. For the large population of key workers in the capital, having an alternative mode of transport to get to work is especially important during the pandemic for improving their physical and mental health.

Membership costs will be split into even payments deducted directly from employees’ wages across the year. It is the UK’s first cycle to work scheme initiative of its kind as the partnership means eligible commuters can enjoy unlimited 30-minute journeys using Santander Cycles for as little as £1 per week! Total savings on the cost of a Santander Cycles annual membership, usually £90, are between 32-42% depending on the employee’s tax bracket. 

Cyclescheme was appointed by TfL following a commercial tender process. This is an important initiative promoting cycling as an alternative to using public transport or private vehicles. It furthers the government’s work on the nationwide health campaign to get Britain cycling, which includes bikes available on prescription and Fix Your Bike vouchers being made available. Access to the reduced rate with Cyclescheme makes Santander Cycles even more affordable representing one of the least expensive ways to get cycling in London. Through Cyclescheme 22,000 employers in London have access to the scheme, representing approximately 800,000 employees. 

Journeys less than 30 minutes are included in the membership and every additional 30 minutes of cycling will cost £2. The cost effectiveness of the scheme makes it a great option to use alongside other modes of transport, for example to break up commutes that normally consist of multiple stages. Members of the scheme are encouraged to use the official Santander Cycles app to get quicker access to the bikes as they can hire directly through this.

By signing up to Cyclescheme and the City Bike Hire initiative, employees will also be able to acquire cycling accessories such as protective clothing and helmets and spread the cost across monthly payments.

Adrian Warren, Director at Cyclescheme and Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, said: “As the leading provider of cycle to work Schemes, Cyclescheme is extremely excited to partner with TfL to bring this innovative cycling benefit to employees across London. We believe our forward-thinking approach coupled with these incredible savings demonstrate our dedication to making cycling more accessible. Cycling is becoming more prevalent in London, but many people struggle to afford a bike or to find space to store one. With over 22,000 employers already signed up, this new initiative will break down those barriers and help more Londoners get on their bikes.”

Helen Sharp, TfL's Head of Cycle Hire Business Development, said: “Our cycle hire scheme has led a revolution in cycling in London over the last ten years, offering people flexible and affordable access to bikes across the city. Our data shows that Londoners are increasingly turning to cycling for commuting and leisure, with records for Santander Cycles broken 13 times since May this year.

“There has never been a better time to start cycling. Santander Cycles are a brilliant option for those who don’t have their own bike, and through our partnership with Cyclescheme, employers can now offer their staff access to the scheme for less than ever before.”  

Employers who would like to sign up to the scheme can find out more here or by emailing citybikehire@cyclescheme.co.uk.

For employees whose employers are already part of Cyclescheme, you can participate in this initiative by and selecting ‘Cyclescheme City Bike Hire scheme’ here, before submitting your request. Employers can then review the request and, if approved, employees will receive a code for a one-year Santander Cycles membership. Once approved, your employer will recover the cost from your salary in monthly instalments which generates a 32-42% saving.

If you want to offer City Bike Hire to your workforce - all you need to do is register for Cyclescheme for free and request the service is activated for you.

About Cyclescheme  

Cyclescheme is part of Blackhawk Network who connect brands and people through innovative incentives, engagement and commerce solutions. Combining the best branded value products with cutting edge technology, platforms and services to create exciting, engagement solutions that maximise sales, productivity and loyalty. Our integrated worldwide network enables you to connect with employees, sales channels and customers in-store, online, through mobile and social networks.

About Santander Cycles

Santander Cycles covers 100 square kilometres of London, making it one of the largest cycle hire schemes in Europe. More information about Santander Cycles, including maps of docking stations and how to hire them, is available online at tfl.gov.uk/santandercycles. The free app is available on the iTunes and Android App Stores, searching for Santander Cycles.