The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
Pedal into spring: making your workplace more cycle friendly
A blog by Katharine Brough, Head of Grant Funding and Partnerships, Cycling Scotland.
As Spring arrives in Scotland, more people are cycling. Longer days and more sunlight make it even easier to enjoy all the benefits of active travel. Cycling can boost well-being, saves money, cuts emissions, and creates healthier workplaces. Yet, despite record investment in cycle routes, many organisations taking the Growing Climate Confidence checkup don’t currently offer a Cycle to Work scheme.
Why cycling to work matters
Whilst the main motivator for cycling is to improve health and well-being, feedback from people who cycle in Cycling Friendly organisations across Scotland highlights the transformational impact of having safe and well-connected routes to cycle to and from work. The affordability of cycling is also a key consideration for many people who choose to travel by bike for short journeys.
How the Cycle to Work scheme works
The scheme lets employees buy a bike and accessories tax free through salary sacrifice, with no upfront cost. Costs are paid back over a year or longer, from an employee’s monthly/weekly salary, making it much easier to manage the costs. Employers also save on National Insurance. Depending on your workplace and number of staff, the scheme has mutually financial benefits for both employer and employee. NHS health boards support the scheme, including affordable e-Bike options.
If a formal scheme feels complex, you may want to consider:
- Discounts with local bike shops
- Long term bike loans
- Pay up schemes for easier access
How to get started
- Check if your workplace has a scheme – Ask finance or payroll teams. If one exists, spread the word.
- Raise awareness – Encourage colleagues to share their cycling stories.
- No scheme? Get support – Contact Cycling Friendly, they can advise on providers and local options.
- Need inspiration? – Cycling Scotland’s data shows how better infrastructure in Glasgow and Edinburgh is helping more people cycle.
Cycling supports health, sustainability, and workplace morale. Keen to see a real-life example? Watch this cycling story from High Life Highlands.
Cycling Scotland is Scotland’s national cycling charity. Our Cycling Friendly programme offers a wider range of support to help make it easier for staff to cycle to work, and at work.
