End the inequality now: access to cycling must be for everyone or UK loses out

• Almost two million people on a low income or not in employment are priced out of cycling and its benefits.

• The Cycle to Work scheme has run for 25 years, but no similar discounts are available for those who need them most. New report from charity Sustrans calls for this inequality to end.

• Sustrans has developed a scheme to help people on a low income buy a cycle - which would return more than three-times the investment
Nearly two million people currently locked out of accessing cycling and its benefits could gain from a new voucher scheme, according to active travel charity Sustrans.  

The ‘Cycling Opportunity’ report finds that of those on a low income or not in employment, 1.9 million (38%) want to cycle – or cycle more – but are blocked by the cost. 

Currently, millions of people can get discounts of 30-42% through the Cycle to Work scheme, but people on low or no income are excluded as they do not meet the scheme’s entry criteria. 

This inequality means many people are effectively excluded from the benefits of cycling, including financial savings, health and getting around.
Sustrans’ report recommends a parallel initiative to the Cycle to Work scheme to support those on low income or out of employment, broadening the opportunities and benefits of cycling. 

The scheme’s modelling reveals a 40% discount voucher - aligned to the discounts available via Cycle to Work - would have an annual economic benefit of £60 million, at a cost of just £18 million(1). By improving people’s health and wellbeing, the scheme will reduce costs to the NHS and thousands of sick days will be prevented. It will improve access to work and education opening up opportunities and boosting local economy. 

Xavier Brice, CEO of report authors Sustrans, said:

“A new UK Government brings new opportunities. Their focus on the economy, opportunity and health is critical, and integrating transport with walking, wheeling and cycling must be a part of this. To include those at all economic levels in this is a priority, or we risk leaving two million people to the dangers of transport poverty.”

14% of people (1.6 million) on low income or not in employment would be ‘very likely’ to use a voucher scheme providing 40% off retail cost. Sustrans estimates that around 100,000 people per year could take up this scheme. 18% of those not in employment said they would use a cycle to get to and from work in the future if a job were secured.

Brice continued:

“The opportunity to get more people cycling is right here for the taking. The Cycle to Work scheme has existed for 25 years. Why shouldn’t the same opportunities be extended to the people that need it most - now? 

“Using the Cycling Opportunity voucher scheme, we can tackle this inequality together and enjoy the benefits together too; for our bank accounts, our NHS and our environment.”

The UK has 11.7 million people earning less than £17,000 per year or not in employment. People in this group are much less likely to have access to a car compared to the general population. For those who do - rising costs are making it unaffordable to run.

Himesh, resident of Islington and currently looking for work, explained the benefit a voucher scheme would be to him:

“Cycling was always a way to escape my stresses. 90% of the cycles I went on in Canada were leisure cycles. Now, when I’m using the rental bikes in London, I’m super conscious of the time so I make sure I take the optimum route to make the most of my money. The price per minute has gone up too.

“Since I moved to London, cycling as a hobby has disappeared from life. Any scheme that could loosen the financial burden would really help me in getting my own bike.” 

Only 30% of people on a low income or not in employment have access to a cycle. Previously, data from Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index(2) found 59% of people in professional occupations have access to a cycle.

Vivienne Jackson, Programme Manager at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, funders of the report, said:

“We know access to transport is a key barrier to employment for people on lower incomes. It’s not right that people on a low income can’t access discount cycle schemes that are available to others. If the government is serious about getting people into work and growing the economy, implementing a Cycle-to-Work style scheme for people who are unemployed or on low incomes seems like an obvious solution, and will have other benefits too.”

Through this research, Sustrans has also produced a free modelling tool for policy makers to calculate participation, costs and benefits of different schemes for their nation or region. This will be of use to Local Authorities across the UK to consider and implement trial schemes for their communities.

Read the report