Research and analysis

Evaluation of the Cycle to Work Scheme: quantitative and qualitative research

Published 24 April 2025

Prepared by Ipsos for HM Revenue and Customs.

Joanna Crossfield, Rosie Turner and Dejon Silvera (Ipsos).

HMRC Research Report 720.

August 2023.

The views in this report are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of HM Revenue and Customs.

Glossary

Term	Definition
Benefit in Kind	A non-cash benefit of monetary value that an employer can provide to an employee. As the benefit is part of the employee’s income, Benefits in Kind are subject to taxation unless there is a specific exemption. Cycle to Work is one such exemption.
Income Tax	A tax imposed on individuals in respect of any income received.  This could be their earnings as employees, profits earned by the self-employed or through a pension. The most common way of paying Income Tax is via PAYE.
National Insurance contributions (NICs)	Contributions which individuals in work are required to make which in turn allow them to receive certain UK benefits and the UK State Pension. For the tax year 2022 to 2023, employees and self-employed individuals aged over 16 were required to pay a proportion of their earnings and/or self-employed profits when earning over £242 a week for employees or £11,908 a year for self-employed workers. Employers were also required to make a contribution on behalf of their employees.
National Minimum Wage	The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to. The National Minimum Wage rates can be found on GOV.UK.
Non-user	An individual aged over 16 in full or part time employment who said that they had never used the Cycle to Work Scheme. In the qualitative interviews, only eligible non-users were included, meaning their employer offered the Cycle to Work Scheme but they had not used it.
PAYE	HMRC’s system for collecting Income Tax and National Insurance contributions from those in employment. Tax is deducted before the employee receives their pay.
Personal Allowance	The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570, which is the amount of income you do not have to pay tax on.
Personal income	For the purposes of the evaluation, personal income is pre-tax income from work from all sources, including benefits and savings.
Salary sacrifice	An arrangement whereby an employee agrees to give up part of their pre-tax salary in exchange for a benefit from their employer, such as, in this case, the hire of a bicycle for active travel and/or safety equipment.
Scheme provider	As well as employers setting up their own salary sacrifice arrangement, they can offer the Cycle to Work Scheme through a scheme provider who runs the scheme on their behalf. Scheme providers usually issue employees taking up the scheme with a voucher to access a bicycle, ensure that the scheme is fully compliant with legislation, advise employers on the salary sacrifice arrangements, and help employers promote the scheme to their employees.
Tax exemption	The removal of the liability to pay tax on income. In the case of new bikes and equipment accessed through the Cycle to Work Scheme, employees do not have to pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions on the salary they sacrifice which will mean they could potentially save between 32% and 47% (48% in Scotland) on the loan of a new bike or equipment (depending on their income and tax band).
User (including users described as ‘newly commuting cyclists’)	For the purposes of this evaluation, a user is an individual aged 16 or over who reported in either the quantitative survey or qualitative interviews that they had used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years. ‘Newly commuting cyclists’ are users who said they did not cycle to work before using the Cycle to Work Scheme for the first time, and said they started completing at least part of their commute to work by bike after using the scheme.
VAT	Value Added Tax is a general tax placed on almost all goods and services sold. The standard rate of VAT is currently 20%.

1. Executive summary

1.1 Background

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) commissioned research agency Ipsos to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cycle to Work Scheme.

The Cycle to Work Scheme was introduced in 1999 to promote cycling, with the purpose of encouraging healthier journeys to work and reducing environmental pollution by encouraging new cyclists to commute to work by bicycle.

The Cycle to Work Scheme is offered as a Benefit in Kind which takes advantage of the tax exemption for the employer provision of cycles and cycling safety equipment. The exemption offers a tax advantage to encourage employees to take up commuting to work by bicycle.

1.2 Aims and methodology

The aims of this evaluation were to provide HMRC with an understanding of the demographics of Cycle to Work Scheme users, the process of using the scheme, the impact on users’ cycling behaviour, and appropriateness of the scheme in its current form. The evaluation has drawn on 2 data sources: a random probability survey and qualitative interviews with individuals and employers.

Using Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel, a representative sample of 12,790 UK adults (aged 16+) were screened as to whether they were aware of the scheme and had used the scheme. The survey interviewed 438 individuals who had used the Cycle to Work scheme in the past 5 years (between 2017 and 2022), as well as 4,555 eligible individuals who had never used the scheme. Thirty in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 4 different groups: employees who had used the scheme, employees who were eligible for the scheme but had not used it, employers who offered the scheme, and employers who did not offer the scheme.

1.3 Key findings

Demographic profile of scheme users

Scheme users were more likely to be men (68%), from a white ethnic background (86%), and to be living in London (23%).

3 in 5 users owned or had access to a bicycle before using the scheme (62%) whilst 2 in 5 did not (38%).

Users on higher incomes accessed more expensive bicycles and accessories through the scheme: higher rate taxpayers had a median spend of £1,000 on bicycles and £207 on accessories compared to basic rate tax taxpayers who had a median spend of £650 on bicycles and £147 on accessories.

Awareness of the scheme

Employers were the main source of awareness about the scheme (76%), followed by colleagues (21%), showing that the workplace was the most common way users become aware of the scheme. As such, users’ understanding of how the scheme works depended on how it was communicated to them by their employer.

Frequency of using the scheme

Most users of the scheme said they had used the scheme once (69%) and 1 in 3 had used the scheme multiple times in the past 5 years (31%). The quantitative and qualitative research found that repeat use of the scheme was driven by preference for a different type of bicycle, rather than the need for a replacement bicycle.

Process and administration of the scheme

Overall, both employers and employees described the scheme as being very straightforward and easy to administer from both a user and employer perspective. The only minor challenge to scheme administration reported by employers in the qualitative research was administering the end of the scheme. For example, smaller employers not using a scheme provider reported some challenges in having the bicycle valued at the end of the scheme.

Motivations for using the scheme

When users were asked why they decided to use the scheme, the motivation was equally to save money on a bicycle (43%), and to spread the cost of the bicycle (40%). In the qualitative interviews, eligible non-users highlighted that the scheme was not the cheapest way to obtain a bicycle, as a second-hand bicycle would be cheaper.

Barriers to using the scheme

Barriers to using the scheme amongst non-users were related to cycling or cycling to work, rather than the scheme itself. Journey length (34%), feeling unsafe whilst cycling (23%), and already owning a bicycle (22%) were reported as the top 3 reasons for not using the scheme. In the qualitative interviews, barriers cited to using the scheme itself amongst eligible non-users were the contracted commitment length (which is typically at least a year and less attractive to those in insecure or temporary work who do not want to commit to that length) and not being able to get a second-hand bicycle.

More general barriers to cycling to work identified in the quantitative and qualitative research with non-users centred around safety, such as the lack of provision for cyclists on roads, and practical barriers, such as speed, comfort, lack of facilities, and distance.

Impact of the scheme on cycling behaviour

Overall, after using the scheme, 3 in 4 users cycled at least part of the way to work (74%). Nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of scheme users were ‘newly commuting cyclists’: they did not cycle to work before using the scheme and started cycling to work since using the scheme. Over a third (35%) of scheme users were already cycling to work before using the scheme and continued to commute this way after, therefore indicating no behaviour change.

A quarter (25%) of users said they did not use the bicycle they obtained through the scheme for cycling to work.

Beyond commuting, half of users (51%) reported cycling more outside of their commute since using the scheme (among those who had access to a bicycle before scheme use).

In the qualitative interviews, users who started commuting to work by bike after using the scheme credited the scheme with encouraging them to cycle to work and for leisure. Users also credited the scheme with increasing their overall physical and mental health, by enabling them to access a bicycle and encouraging them to use it.

Appropriateness of the scheme

The evaluation explored 4 hypothetical alternative mechanisms for delivering the scheme. In the survey, users were asked which would be their preferred mechanism. A third (33%) of users selected the existing scheme, the highest of all the schemes presented. In the qualitative interviews, the existing scheme came closest to users’ optimal design. Specific aspects of the scheme which users liked were: the money being deducted from their salary at source, being able to spread the cost of the bicycle, the tax benefits, and the straightforwardness of using the scheme.

Employers who did and did not offer the Cycle to Work Scheme

Employers reported using the scheme more as a recruitment tool, promoting it to new staff as part of their wider benefits package, rather than for retention purposes. Employers described offering the scheme because it fitted in well with the wider benefits packages they offered to employees, it was easy to administer, cost them little as an employer, and aligned with wider corporate social responsibilities around physical health and environmentalism.

Employers who did not offer the scheme said that this was because they did not know enough about it or how it would benefit their organisation, or they felt their staff members would not want to cycle to work.

Employers recognised they had a key role to play in promoting the scheme, as they could more easily contact their employees than HMRC.

2. Introduction

2.1 Background

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) commissioned research agency Ipsos to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cycle to Work Scheme.

The Cycle to Work Scheme was introduced through the Finance Act (1999) to promote healthier journeys to work and reduce environmental pollution by encouraging people to commute to work by bike. The scheme involves provision of a Benefit in Kind that takes advantage of a tax exemption for the employer provision of cycles and cycling safety equipment. The exemption offers both employers and employees a National Insurance contributions (NICs) and tax advantage to encourage employees to start cycling to work. The Cycle to Work Scheme is only available to employees through their employer. Under the scheme, employers can facilitate use or provision of cycles and cycling safety equipment for their employees by salary sacrifice, a loan scheme, or a pooled scheme which are explained below.

Salary sacrifice

When salary sacrifice is used, employees obtain use of a cycle in exchange for giving up an amount of their salary, meaning the employee’s tax and NICs liability are lower because this reduces their taxable salary. No tax or NICs are due on the provision of the cycle or cycling equipment because of the exemption ^{[footnote 1]}.

Loan scheme

Employees receive a loan (which can be interest free) from their employer to obtain the cycle upfront, which they then pay back.

Pooled scheme

Employers purchase a pool of cycles and employees can hire cycles at a discounted rate.

This evaluation focusses on use of the Cycle to Work Scheme where this is provided by employers using salary sacrifice.

To be eligible to take part in the Cycle to Work Scheme, employees must:

• be 16 or over
• be paid and taxed via the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system
• earn at least National Minimum Wage after the salary sacrifice has been taken from their pay

There are few conditions on the equipment which can be accessed using the scheme. For example, there are no financial limits set by HMRC (though there may be by employers). However, equipment is not to be transferred and is to be mainly (at least 50% of the time) used for work related journeys, as explained in the government’s Cycle to Work Scheme implementation guidance for employers.

HMRC estimates that 268,000 employees joined the Cycle to Work Scheme in 2020 to 21 and 188,000 in 2021 to 22. As published in HMRC’s non-structural tax reliefs publication, the scheme is estimated to have cost £110m 2020 to 21 and £92m in 2021 to 22. However, due to the tax-exempt status, HMRC holds little data on users of the scheme, such as their demographic characteristics or experience using the scheme.

2.2 Evaluation objectives

The aims of this evaluation were to provide HMRC with an understanding of:

• the demographic profile of people who had used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years
• whether the scheme has encouraged people to cycle to work, particularly new cyclists
• wider impacts of the scheme
• motivations for using the scheme and barriers
• impact of the scheme on employers
• appropriateness of the current form of the scheme

2.3 Methodology

The evaluation draws on 2 data sources: a survey, and qualitative in-depth interviews. Each strand is discussed in turn below, and further detail is included in the Technical Appendix.

Ipsos conducted a random probability survey using the Ipsos KnowledgePanel. This uses un-clustered address-based sampling. A representative sample of 12,790 UK adults (aged 16+) were screened as to whether they were aware of the scheme and had used the scheme. Those who had used the scheme in the past 5 years were deemed a ‘user’ for the survey. The achieved sample sizes were as follows:

• 627 individuals who had ever used the Cycle to Work Scheme
• 438 individuals who had used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years at the point the survey was conducted

A period of 5 years after using the scheme was considered an appropriate length of time to classify someone as a user, balancing the ability to recall their experiences with wanting to identify as many users as possible for the evaluation. Cognitive testing interviews confirmed that users were able to recall the details of the scheme within the past 5 years.

Fieldwork took place between 23 June to 29 September 2022. A pilot survey was conducted between 6 June to 10 June 2022.

The survey was also run on the Ipsos iSay online panel which is a non-probability panel. For this final report, only the random probability survey (KnowledgePanel) findings are included as these are representative and generalisable to the population of Cycle to Work Scheme users and non-users in the UK. The non-probability findings are included in the technical appendix for information. 

Following the survey, Ipsos conducted 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with 4 different groups:

• 14 in-depth interviews with employees who had used the scheme
• 6 interviews with employees who were eligible for the scheme but had not used the scheme
• 5 interviews with employers who offered the scheme to their employees
• 5 interviews with employers who did not offer the scheme to their employees

All qualitative participants were recruited using free find methods.

2.4 How to interpret the data and reporting

Quantitative findings

The data referred to throughout this report are based on Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel survey. Survey results are subject to margins of error, which vary with the sample size and the percentage figure concerned. The report only comments on subgroup differences where these were found to be statistically significant at the 95% level of confidence. More information on statistical reliability can be found in the technical appendix. Where figures do not sum to 100%, this is due to rounding of percentages or because the questions allowed more than one response.

To ensure this report is accessible, all survey results presented in the figures (formatted as images) are included in the text.

Qualitative findings

Qualitative research is not designed to be statistically representative. The qualitative findings are intended to be illustrative of the range of views held by employees and employers, providing insights in their use, understanding and perceptions of the scheme.

The qualitative findings presented in this report reflect only the perspectives of those interviewed and cannot be generalised to the general population of scheme users, non-users, employers offering the scheme and employers not offering the scheme. Anonymised verbatim quotes have been included in this report to demonstrate key points and themes.

Terminology

The Cycle to Work Scheme can be used to access any cycle, not solely bicycles. In this report, we refer to cycles accessed through the Cycle to Work Scheme as ‘cycles’, ‘bicycles’ or ‘bikes’.

3. Profile of Cycle to Work Scheme users

This section of the report provides an estimate of the prevalence rate of the Cycle to Work Scheme, the demographic profile of scheme users, and the median value of bicycles and bicycle related equipment obtained through the scheme.

3.1 Key findings

Scheme users were more likely to be men (68%) than women (31%), from a white ethnic background (86%), and were most likely to live in London (23%). Three in 10 (30%) were higher rate taxpayers, compared to 16% of the UK population at the time of the research.

All (100%) users surveyed obtained a bicycle through the scheme. The median retail value of bicycles obtained through the scheme was £750. Six in 10 (61%) respondents also purchased cycling related equipment or accessories. The median retail value of cycling equipment or accessories accessed through the scheme was £150.

Just over 6 in 10 (62%) users had access to a bicycle before using the scheme and 6 in 10 of these were cycling at least part of their way to work.

3.2 Approximate prevalence rate of Cycle to Work Scheme users

The approximate prevalence rate for use of the Cycle to Work Scheme suggests that a small proportion of the UK population have used the scheme. Of the UK population aged 16 and above, 4% had used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (unweighted base: 12,790).

It is important to note that this is an approximate prevalence rate; it is not possible to produce an exact prevalence rate for Cycle to Work Scheme users. This is because eligibility for the scheme is dependent on an individual paying tax by PAYE and the salary sacrifice repayments for the cost of the bike and bike related accessories not reducing an employee’s income to below the National Minimum Wage, as well as employers offering the scheme in the first place.

3.3 Demographic profile of scheme users

Scheme users were most likely to be white men aged between 25 and 54 years of age, and employees in modern professional occupations ^{[footnote 2]}.

Men (68%) were more likely than women (31%) to have used the scheme in the past 5 years (unweighted base: 431).

Employees from a white ethnic background (86%) were most likely to have used the scheme, compared to employees from other ethnic backgrounds. Employees from Asian or Asian British (7%), Black, Black British, African or Caribbean (2%), Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups (2%) or Other ethnic groups (1%), were less likely to have used the scheme (unweighted base: 434).

Employees aged 25 to 54 years were most likely to have used the scheme: 25 to 34 (27%), 35 to 44 (28%) and 45 to 54 (24%), compared to those aged 16 to 24 (8%), 54 to 64 (11%), 65 to 74 (3%), and 75+ (1%) (unweighted base: 438).

3.4 Income and employment of scheme users

As shown in Figure 1, the most common annual income band reported by scheme users was £28,000 to £49,999 (40%). According to official statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on employee earnings in the UK in 2022, the median earnings in the UK in April 2022 were £33,280 per year ^{[footnote 3]}.

Figure 1: Annual income profile of scheme users at the time of the survey

Income band of scheme users at the time of the survey	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Over £100,000	6%
£50,000 to £99,999	27%
£28,000 to £49,999	40%
Up to £27,999	27%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and provided income information in the survey (365).

As shown in Figure 2, users were more likely to be higher rate taxpayers (30%) than the UK population in general (16%), as drawn from HMRC’s official statistics on Income Tax in 2022-23. At the time of the survey, 4% of users said they were earning up to the Personal Allowance (2% in the general population) ^{[footnote 4]}.

Figure 2: Income tax bands of users compared with the general UK population at the time of the survey

Income Tax band of scheme users at the time of the survey	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users	% of UK taxpayers
Up to Personal Allowance: £12,570	4%	2%
Basic rate: £12,571 to £50,270	64%	80%
Higher rate: £50,271 to £150,000	30%	16%
Additional rate: £150,000 and above	2%	2%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and provided income information in the survey (365).

In their employment, scheme users were most likely to be employed in modern professional occupations such as physiotherapists, software designers or teachers (34%) and least likely to be employed in routine manual and service occupations (2%). This may be due to the often short-term nature of routine manual and service jobs, which may preclude committing to a one-year contract to access the scheme.

Figure 3: Occupations of scheme users

Occupations of scheme users	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Modern professional occupations, such as teacher	34%
Senior managers or administrators, such as a finance manager	16%
Traditional professional occupations, such as an accountant	12%
Clerical and intermediate occupations, such as a secretary	11%
Middle or junior managers, such as an office manager	9%
Technical and craft occupations, such as a motor mechanic	5%
Semi-routine manual and service occupations, such as a postal worker	5%
Routine manual and service occupations, such as an HGV driver	2%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the most common region reported by scheme users was London (23%).

Figure 4: Regional distribution of scheme users

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438). This figure is an illustrative example of the regional distribution of scheme users. The results are also included at Figure 5.

Figure 5: Regional distribution of scheme users

Region	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
London	23%
South East of England	14%
South West of England	8%
Wales	4%
West Midlands	5%
North West of England	8%
Northern Ireland	4%
Scotland	10%
North East of England	3%
Yorkshire and the Humber	9%
East Midlands	5%
East of England	7%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

Around a quarter of Cycle to Work Scheme users reported that they lived in rural areas at the time of the survey (26%), and around three-quarters said they lived in or outside of a city: in or outside a small size city (19%); in or outside a medium sized city (18%); in a large city (18%); or in the suburbs of a large city (17%) (unweighted base: 438).

3.5 Retail value of bicycles and cycling equipment accessed through the scheme

The median values of bicycles and cycling equipment are reported in this section as these estimates are less sensitive to the influence of outlier values, although the mean values are also included in Figure 9.

All scheme users in this survey accessed a bicycle through the scheme (although it is possible to access solely cycling equipment through the scheme).

As shown in Figure 6, the most common retail value of bicycles accessed through the scheme was between £401 to £600 (21% of users) and £801 to £1,000 (21%), with a median value of £750. In comparison, Mintel data from 2022 shows that the average value of a bike sold in the UK market in 2019 was £381.

Figure 6: Distribution of the value of bicycles accessed through the scheme

Value of bicycles accessed through the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Under £200	8%
£201 to £400	16%
£401 to £600	21%
£601 to £800	9%
£801 to £1,000	21%
£1,001 to £1,200	5%
£1,201 to £1,400	2%
£1,401 to £1,600	6%
£1,601 to £1,800	1%
£1,801 to £2,000	3%
£2,001 and over	6%
Don’t know or can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

Higher rate taxpayers obtained bicycles with a higher median value (£1,000) than basic rate taxpayers (£650).

As well as accessing a bicycle through the scheme, employees are also able to access cycling related equipment and accessories. As shown in Figure 7, the types of cycling equipment most commonly obtained through the scheme were helmets (64%), bicycle locks (53%), and lights (46%).

Figure 7: Proportion of cycling equipment accessed through the scheme

Cycling equipment or accessories	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who obtained cycling equipment or accessories
Helmet	64%
Lock	53%
Lights	46%
Bike pump	23%
Cycling clothing	21%
Mudguards	20%
Bags	13%
Tyres	6%
Components	5%
Cycling trailers	4%
Frames	4%
Other	4%
E-bike conversion kit	3%
Child seats	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and obtained equipment or accessories using the scheme (278).

Overall, 61% of Cycle to Work Scheme users accessed cycling related equipment or accessories through the scheme, in addition to a bike, and the most common value of accessories was under £50 (28% of users who obtained accessories).

Figure 8: Distribution of the value of cycling equipment accessed through the scheme

Value of cycling equipment accessed through the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who obtained cycling equipment or accessories
Under £50	28%
£51 to £100	20%
£101 to £200	14%
£201 to £400	12%
£401 to £600	10%
£601 to £800	6%
£801 and over	10%
Don’t know or can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and obtained equipment or accessories using the scheme (278).

Overall, the median value of bicycle related equipment or accessories accessed through the Cycle to Work Scheme was £150. Higher rate taxpayers (£207) obtained cycle related equipment and accessories at a higher median value than basic rate taxpayers (£147).

Figure 9: Table of mean values of bicycles and cycling equipment

Item obtained through the Cycle to Work Scheme	Mean value for users overall	Mean value for higher rate taxpayer users	Mean value for basic rate taxpayer users
Bicycles	£945	£1269	£814
Cycling equipment	£374	£635	£259

3.6 Whether users had access to a bicycle before using the scheme

The Cycle to Work Scheme has appealed more to those who already owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme, than those who did not own or have access to one. As shown in Figure 10, just over 6 in 10 (62%) users had access to a bicycle before using the scheme for the first time, while just under 4 in 10 (38%) did not.

Figure 10: Whether scheme users had access to a bicycle, either one they owned or not, before using the scheme for the first time

Access to a bicycle before using the scheme for the first time	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
I had access to a bicycle before using the scheme	62%
I did not have access to a bicycle before using the scheme	38%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

As shown in Figure 11, just over 6 in 10 scheme users who had access to a bike before using the scheme cycled at least part of the way to work (61%). For this group, cycling to work was an established activity prior to using the scheme. Almost 4 in 10 (38%) who owned a bike were not cycling to work before using the scheme (1% of users said they did not know).

Figure 11: Whether those who had access to a bike before using the scheme for the first time cycled to work

Whether those with access to a bicycle cycled to work before using the scheme for the first time	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who had access to a bicycle before using the scheme
Yes, I cycled all the way to and from work	48%
Yes, I cycled part of the way to work and from work	13%
No, I did not cycle to and from work	38%
Don’t know or can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme (292).

4. Use of the Cycle to Work Scheme

This chapter provides an overview of awareness of the scheme and frequency of use, together with reasons for multiple use, experiences using the scheme, and planned usage behaviour at the end of the scheme. It discusses how employers are the main way in which people hear about the scheme, how repeat use of the scheme tends to be motivated by preference, rather than necessity, and the straightforwardness of using the scheme from users’ perspectives.

4.1 Key findings

The workplace was the most common place for people to hear about the scheme: three-quarters of users (76%) heard about the scheme through their employer, followed by a colleague (21%).

Most users (69%) had used the scheme once in the past 5 years, whilst 1 in 3 (31%) had used it multiple times. Reasons for repeat use of the scheme centred around wanting a different type of bicycle, as opposed to needing a replacement bicycle.

The scheme was seen as being very straightforward to use and administer by both employees and employers.

4.2 Awareness of the scheme

Three quarters of users heard about the scheme through their employer (76%) and one in 5 (21%) heard about it through a colleague. Over one in ten heard through a family member or friend (13%) or from a bicycle shop (11%). This shows that overall, the workplace is the most common source of awareness about the scheme.

Figure 12: How users heard about the scheme

Sources of awareness about the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Employer	76%
Colleague	21%
Friend or family member	13%
Bike shop	11%
Social network	8%
Media, TV or news	8%
Search engines or web searches	7%
Email or direct marketing	7%
Radio advert	3%
From a different source	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

The qualitative interviews found that employers promoted the scheme in different ways. Smaller employers tended to provide information passively, through company benefits portals or shared hard drives at the commencement of employment as a recruitment tool. Larger employers tended to promote the scheme more actively, for example, through posters around the office, and emails from Human Resources.

The qualitative interviews also found that the wider context also impacts employers’ responses to the scheme. Employers who saw their local area as being cycling-friendly were more likely to promote the scheme more as they considered it to be safer for cyclists. For example, an employer in Brighton who offered the scheme saw the city as being particularly cycling-friendly, increasing the relevance of the scheme to them. In contrast, employers around the outskirts of London felt their areas were less cycling friendly and that their employees had to commute quite far, meaning the scheme was less relevant to them.

Related to this, employers who did not want to cycle in their area themselves were more reluctant to suggest the scheme to employees. For example, one employer in London said that they did not want to promote the scheme too much because they were unsure about the safety of cycling in a busy city:

“It’s a personal choice for people, not everyone wants to ride a bike and in London, it can be quite dangerous, so we have to be very careful about how we sell that message [about cycling more].” (Employer offering the scheme, London, with 50 to 249 employees)

Amongst scheme users, word of mouth was cited as a source of awareness, from colleagues, friends, and family. Those who reported hearing about the scheme through a friend, colleague or family member felt that the scheme had been personally recommended to them. This made them feel more positively towards it, because that person had explained to them how it worked and that it was worth signing up to.

“I’d heard of it through my brother who had it [the scheme] at his previous employment… I asked my brother about it, and he knew a lot more about it than I did. He said that it was straightforward, and I had been a bit dubious, maybe, so he kind of put my mind at ease, so then I just went for it.” (Scheme user, North)

“I heard about [the scheme] from colleagues at work. It wasn’t really anything that my employer talked about in communications about perks of the job or anything, it was just word of mouth from colleagues on my level, not managers.” (Scheme user, Midlands)

Overall, employers and the workplace were the primary channel for both communicating and administering the scheme. Employers reported being receptive to requests from employees to offer the scheme. Those not currently offering the scheme said that they would be more likely to do so if employees requested it. This suggests that greater publicity about the scheme from the government could lead to a greater two-way dialogue between potentially interested employees and employers.

4.3 Frequency of use and reasons for multiple use

Nearly 7 in 10 scheme users (69%) said they had used the scheme once in the past 5 years and 3 in 10 (31%) said they had used it multiple times.

Of the 3 in 10 (31%) who had used the scheme multiple times in the past 5 years, the most common reason for doing so was because they liked using different bicycles for different types of journey (41%). Around a third of those who used the scheme multiple times said they did so because they decided to change or upgrade their bicycle (34%) and 3 in 10 (30%) because they enjoyed using different bicycles. 16% used the scheme multiple times because their first bicycle broke whilst 11% said they had done so for other reasons not specified in the survey. Therefore, repeat use of the scheme was more likely to be motivated by preference than necessity.

Figure 13: Multiple use of the scheme

Number of times using the scheme in the past 5 years	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Once	69%
Twice	17%
3 times	9%
4 times	3%
5 times	2%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438); those who have used the scheme more than once (143).

Figure 14: Reasons for using the scheme more than once in the past 5 years

Reasons for using the using the scheme more than once	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who had used the scheme more than once in 5 years
I use different bikes for different purposes	41%
I decided to change or upgrade my bike	34%
I enjoy using different types of bikes	30%
My first bike broke	16%
Other reason	11%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work scheme more than once (143).

In the qualitative research, those who had used the scheme multiple times in the past 5 years explained that they needed or wanted a different type of bicycle for different roads or different types of cycling, or because they disliked the first bicycle they accessed through the scheme. Those who had used the scheme more than once out of necessity said that this was because their previous bicycle had been damaged or stolen. Whilst not a common theme amongst users, one user had sold their previous bicycle to make money when they were moving and had wanted another one. They also cited wanting a different type of bicycle.

“I wanted a different type of bike, more suitable for London roads. My current bike is an upgrade on the previous one. It is lighter and easier to lift upstairs in the city if needed.” (Scheme User, South)

4.4 Experiences of using the scheme

In the qualitative interviews, users reported that the process of using the scheme was straightforward. This process is explained in detail in the subsequent sections.

Initiation and voucher

Users reported a consistent process for initiating use of the scheme and receiving their voucher. They informed their employer (a specific HR team in larger employers) that they wanted to use the scheme, following which they received a voucher to the value of the amount requested. This process was described by users as clear and uncomplicated.

“It was really easy, I did it [signed up] through the intranet at work and you put your payroll number in and then they emailed me a Cycle to Work Scheme voucher which I printed and then went off to Halfords.” (Scheme user, North)

The amount to take the voucher for and calculation of tax savings was one area that some people found harder to understand. Users who were better prepared, or had more knowledge, checked which bicycle they wanted and then used an online calculator to understand what value voucher they needed to request and what deductions would be made from their salary before ordering the voucher. For example, without this knowledge, one user selected an arbitrary amount and then found a bicycle of that value. The inability to alter the voucher amount retrospectively and select a more expensive bicycle better suited to their needs did, in this instance, cause constraints:

“One regret was that I didn’t ask enough for my voucher. I didn’t do shopping around first. I wished I could have gone back to request more money.” (Scheme User, North)

Bicycle selection

The bicycles which users could select depended on their employers’ administration of the scheme. Some employers (or schemes used by employers) limited users to particular shops, and others could be used at any retailer. This was the only way that emerged from the interviews with users and employers in which employers influenced decisions about the bicycles or accessories accessed through the scheme. Regardless of which approach their employer took, users said they were happy with the bicycle options available to them and were able to access a bicycle they liked.

“I got a woman’s mountain bike, it was just under £1,000… When I used to live and work in London people had the fold up bikes because they were getting on trains, I didn’t need anything like that. I didn’t want an electric bike, a mountain bike was all I knew, it’s what I grew up with as a child… I’m happy with it, I’ve had it a few years and it’s not aged, it’s still in really good condition.” (Scheme user, South)

Repayments

All users were clear about how and when the deductions would be made from their salary and how long this would last for.

“It was pretty easy. I just gave the details of the bike to my employer, including the product website links for all of the other additions [bicycle accessories] which I asked for in the bike shop and they managed it. From my end it was very little hassle… it [the bicycle] was delivered to my house.” (Scheme User, South)

Overall, users understood that the scheme provided users with tax savings. Users with a greater understanding knew that savings related to Income Tax. Whilst not a common theme, one user with lower understanding thought that VAT was deducted and was surprised when they found out the savings were linked to their Income Tax. This shows that users had good understanding of the tax relief, albeit with some pockets of more limited understanding.

These findings reinforce that perceived ease of using the scheme and successful outcomes are dependent on the communication users receive from their employer. Since employers are the main communication channel for the scheme, their understanding of the scheme greatly influences the dissemination of information about it to users. Ensuring that employers are equipped to effectively communicate the scheme is central to employees’ understanding and maximising the effectiveness of it for the end users.

Planned behaviour at the end of the scheme

Under the salary sacrifice arrangement for the Cycle to Work Scheme, an employer loans their employee a cycle. After this loan period has ended there are different options as to what happens. Users can buy the bicycle from their employer for its existing market value, continue leasing the bicycle from their employer at no additional cost, or give it back to their employer.

When asked their plans for the end of their lease period, over half of users (54%) intended to buy their bicycle or equipment once the scheme came to an end, a quarter (25%) planned to continue leasing it, whilst around 1 in 8 (12%) planned to give the bicycle or equipment back to their employer.

In the qualitative research, some employees and employers experienced challenges with administration at the end of the scheme. Smaller employers and employees who worked in these types of organisations were more likely to demonstrate uncertainty about the process at this point. At the end of the scheme, some users recalled being asked to pay a fee to own the bicycle, whereas others were not asked to do so. There was a disparity in knowledge among users, some of whom knew that the bicycle continues to be leased until they pay a fee, whilst others believed that they automatically owned the bicycle at the end of the initial lease period. Users who did not know that they were leasing the bicycle during the initial scheme period were surprised to get information about this at the end of the lease period.

Smaller employers also demonstrated a lack of understanding about administering the end of the scheme. These employers were aware that they would need to get the bicycle valued but were uncertain about how or who would be able to do this. Generally, the fewer employees using the scheme, the less familiarity with the scheme employers had. Employers with a couple of people using the scheme felt that the easiest option was to not get the bicycle valued and just give the bicycle to the employee at the end of the scheme ^{[footnote 5]}:

“Even if after you’ve paid it off after 12 months you still don’t own the bike… I don’t think we’ve even followed this up with one of the employees who has finished the scheme. For both sides it gets quite complicated for something that shouldn’t be that hard.” (Employer offering the scheme, London, with 50 to 249 employees)

However, how to administer the end of the scheme was just one minor point of complexity in what was otherwise described as a very straightforward and easy scheme to administer from both a user and employer perspective.

5. Motivations for using the Cycle to Work Scheme and barriers

This chapter discusses the key motivations and barriers to using the Cycle to Work scheme, and to cycling to work generally.

5.1 Key findings

Saving money on a bicycle (43%) and spreading to cost of the bicycle (40%) were equally cited as the main motivations for using the scheme. In the qualitative interviews, other motivations for using the scheme focused on exercise, mental health and the environment.

A quarter (25%) of users did not cycle to work using the bicycle they accessed through the scheme. In the qualitative interviews, this group were a mix of lapsed cycling commuters and those who had not intended to cycle to work using the bicycle accessed through the scheme.

Barriers to using the scheme among those eligible to use it were barriers to cycling overall, as opposed to the scheme itself. Journey length (34%), feeling unsafe whilst cycling (23%), and already owning a bicycle (22%) were the top 3 reasons given for not using the scheme.

5.2 Key motivations for scheme use

When users were asked what the main reason for using the Cycle to Work Scheme was, similar proportions said saving money on a new bicycle (43%) as spreading the cost of paying for a bike (40%), whilst 14% said to save money on new cycling equipment and 2% said another reason not specified in the survey. These results are merged from 2 questions, combining the responses from users who gave one answer as the main reason for using the scheme with the responses from users who initially gave multiple answers, and then selected their main reason.

Figure 15: Main reasons for using the scheme

Reasons for using the using the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
To save money on a new bike	43%
To spread the cost of paying for a new bike or cycling equipment	40%
To save money on the cost of new cycling equipment	14%
Other reason	2%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

Similarly, in the qualitative interviews, spreading the cost of a bicycle and the overall savings were the most important reasons for using the scheme. This was because the scheme allowed users to access a more expensive bicycle than they otherwise would have been able to, suggesting that decision-making and motivation for using the scheme was less about the bicycle being affordable, and more about being high-quality, at a reduced price:

“Normally I wouldn’t have looked at bikes that expensive, but because of the scheme I got a bike of higher value. It was to get a tax discount on something that’s quite expensive, to spread out the cost. I don’t notice it coming out of my salary.” (Scheme User, Scotland)

Other motivations for using the scheme were related to personal benefits, such as getting more exercise, improved mental health, and being good for the environment.

“I hadn’t thought about getting a bike before I heard about the scheme. When Covid [-19] hit in March 2020 and we were all housebound… this seemed like a good idea to casually use, as well as for work. And I think at the time there was emphasis from the government around cycling and walking so all that collectively subconsciously encouraged me to go for it.” (Scheme User, South)

“Health was the main motivation [for using the scheme] as well as environmental benefits.” (Scheme User, South)

In practice, not all scheme users used the bike accessed through the scheme to cycle to work. As shown in Figure 15, a quarter of all users (25%) reported that they did not cycle to work with the bicycle they accessed through the scheme, suggesting that they either used it for leisure purposes or did not use it at all at the time of the survey. This is covered in more detail in the next section of the report.

Meanwhile, 48% of users said they cycled all the way to and from work on the bike accessed through the scheme, and 26% said they cycled part of the way to and from work (1% of users said they did not know).

Figure 16: Whether users cycle to work since using the scheme

Cycling behaviour since using the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
I cycle all the way to and from work	48%
I cycle part of the way to and from work	26%
I do not cycle any of the way to work	25%
Don’t know or can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

5.3 Barriers to using the Cycle to Work Scheme

In the survey, reasons given for not using the scheme among non-users were related to cycling, rather than access to the scheme itself (Figure 17). A third of respondents (34%) said they had not used the scheme because their journey to work is too long, and almost a quarter said they feel unsafe cycling (23%) or they already own a bicycle (22%). Just under 1 in 10 (9%) said they had not used the scheme because their employer did not offer it. Very few respondents reported the scheme itself being too complicated (4%) or their understanding of the scheme (3%) as barriers to using it.

Figure 17: Reasons why people have not used the Cycle to Work Scheme

Reasons why people have not used the scheme	% of non-users of the Cycle to Work Scheme
Journey is too long	34%
Feel unsafe cycling	23%
Already own a bicycle	22%
Too much traffic	18%
Not interested in cycling to work	17%
Do not need to cycle to work	15%
Too much to carry	13%
Too few cycle lanes	12%
Not confident cycling	12%
Don’t want deductions from my salary	12%
Already own cycling equipment	10%
Employer does not offer the scheme	9%
Weather is too bad to cycle	9%
Too hilly in my area	7%
Worried about bicycle/equipment getting stolen	7%
Scheme is too complicated	4%
Don’t understand the scheme	3%

Unweighted base: All aged 16 and over, in full or part time employment, who had never used the Cycle to Work Scheme (4,555).

In the qualitative interviews, the distance people travelled to work was a major barrier to cycling to work. Eligible non-users considered it quicker to take other forms of transport, especially given the fitness required to undertake a long commute by bicycle. Eligible non-users also described the types of roads on their way to work as unsuitable for cycling, as they were either busy motorways or long rural roads without space for cyclists. This was often expressed in relation to safety concerns, as the lack of cycle lanes on narrow rural roads meant they felt unsafe cycling. It was a generally expressed view that drivers did not take heed of cyclists.

“The roads are quite tight and they’re single lanes, lots of farmers’ fields and not much room. It can actually be quite scary at points on a bike, particularly at night.” (Non-user, North)

In addition to the distance people travelled to work, barriers to cycling to work among eligible non-users were centred around safety and practical barriers. The perceived lack of provision for cyclists on roads and poor perceptions and attitudes towards them made some eligible non-users feel less safe cycling on the roads.

“Nothing will change perceptions overnight, but it does affect you when you’re cycling on narrow roads because in instances where you pass a car closely, you’re at fault just for just being a cyclist and it puts me off.” (Non-user, North)

The practical barriers to cycling to work focused on speed, comfort, facilities, and distance. The main priorities employees had for travelling to work were speed and convenience. As such, driving was preferred as cycling was seen to take longer. In particular, those with children reported that getting to and from work quickly was a priority as they had responsibilities to get back to at home.

“It would take me longer [to cycle] and I just think I’d be knackered by the time I got home. I don’t know if you’re a mother, but your shift doesn’t end when you finish work, your next shift starts when you get home. I’m constantly on my feet and I think the exercise I do at home is the equivalent of riding a bicycle.” (Non-user, North)

The perceived inconvenience and uncomfortableness of cycling to work was also a barrier. This tended to be cited as a barrier by women who reported that the clothes they would wear at work were not practical for cycling. It was considered that, when cycling to work, a shower afterwards would be essential. However, this was deemed awkward and time-consuming for some women who did not want to get ready at work.

“I don’t think I’d want to be wearing a helmet every day…You don’t really want to wash your hair and then have to put a helmet on. There’s a lot more to think about for women. And I’m not the type of person to get up at 6am and leave for work and then shower and style my hair there.” (Non-user, North)

A lack of facilities for cyclists at work was also mentioned as a barrier to cycling into work. Both scheme users and eligible non-users described how they would be motivated to cycle into work (more) if their workplace had a designated changing space.

The barriers to using the scheme amongst eligible non-users were centred around safety and practical barriers which make this group see cycling to work as unfeasible. Encouraging this group to take up cycling and to cycle to work would require addressing wider barriers to cycling, beyond the cost of the bicycle.

5.4 Barriers specific to the Cycle to Work Scheme among eligible non-users

Barriers relating specifically to the Cycle to Work Scheme were suggested such as the eligibility criteria, as eligible non-users commented that the savings would be less for those who are lower paid. Eligible non-users recognised that the scheme is only for people who earn enough to pay tax, which may exclude certain groups.

For people who changed jobs frequently or were close to retirement, the scheme was also deemed less attractive because they did not want to enter a scheme where they were tied to their employer. The condition to lease the bicycle over a year or more means that people either have to stay with their employer for that time or lose the tax benefit, as explained in the government’s guidance for employers on the Cycle to Work Scheme. For example, an older eligible non-user who wanted to retire soon considered that the scheme did not take people like them into account. ^{[footnote 6]}

“I’m not settled in my job, I don’t earn enough to pay any tax so the only benefit I get would be a bit of National Insurance…Cycle to Work is only for people who earn enough to pay tax. It’s not fair for women and low paid people, and that’s gutting.” (Non-User, North)

As a result, a shorter contracted commitment length was regarded as more attractive by some, who thought this would make it easier for people who do not want to be tied to one employer.

Another barrier to scheme use among eligible non-users was that getting a bicycle through the scheme was considered more expensive than buying a second-hand bicycle. There were eligible non-users who noted that they would prefer to do this. Being able to access second-hand bicycles through the scheme was suggested as a way to make an even greater saving.

Some eligible non-users also reported that they would prefer to buy a bicycle directly from a shop rather than getting a bicycle through their employer. They considered this was like asking their employer for money, which made them feel uncomfortable. For these non-users, not personally owning the bicycle and having their employer as an intermediary led to a preference to buy a bicycle directly. There was also concern around what would what happen if the bicycle was damaged or stolen, as they were aware that the individual did not own it.

6. Impact of the Cycle to Work Scheme

This chapter looks at the cycling behaviour of users before and after scheme use. It also addresses the proportion of journeys taken by cycle to work users and the length of their commute, reasons users cycle to work more since using the scheme, the impact of the scheme on other modes of transport, and how users would travel to work if they had not used the scheme. Future intentions are also covered.

6.1 Key findings

Overall, around 4 in 10 (38%) scheme users cycled to work before using the scheme compared to three-quarters (74%) who cycled to work after using the scheme.

Around 4 in 10 scheme users (39%) did not cycle to work before using the scheme and cycled to work after using the scheme – these users are referred to as ‘newly commuting cyclists’.

At the time of the survey, almost 7 in 10 scheme users (69%) intended to continue cycling to work using the bicycle they obtained through the scheme in the next 6 months.

6.2 Cycling to work before using the scheme

As shown earlier in the report, before using the scheme, over 3 in 5 users had access to a bicycle (62%) and just under 2 in 5 did not (38%).

As shown in Figure 18, among those who had access to a bicycle before using the scheme, around 6 in 10 (61%) cycled to work before using the scheme, whilst just under 4 in 10 (38%) did not (1% said they did not know).

Figure 18: Whether scheme users with access to a bike cycled to work before the scheme

Whether those with access to a bicycle cycled to work before using the scheme for the first time	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who had access to a bicycle before using the scheme
Yes, I cycled all or part the way to and from work	61%
No, I did not cycle to and from work	38%
Don’t know or can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme (292).

Figure 19 shows the cycling to work behaviour of the overall user population before they used the scheme. Overall, almost 2 in 5 (38%) had access to a bicycle and cycled to work, a quarter (24%) had access to a bicycle and did not cycle to work, whilst almost 2 in 5 (38%) did not have access to a bicycle and so did not cycle to work.

Figure 19: Whether all scheme users cycled to work before using the scheme for the first time

Whether all scheme users cycled to work before using the scheme	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
I had access to a bike and cycled all or part the way to and from work	38%
I had access to a bike and did not cycle to work	24%
I did not have access to a bike so did not cycle to work	38%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

6.3 Cycling to work after using the scheme

As shown in Figure 20, among users who cycled to work before using the scheme, over 9 in 10 continued to cycle to work after using the scheme (93%), and 7% did not. Among users who did not cycle to work before using the scheme, nearly two-thirds (63%) cycled to work after using the scheme, whilst around a third (35%) did not (based on those who did not cycle to work before using the scheme, whether or not they had access to a bike).

These findings indicate that the scheme has not changed the behaviour of users who were already cycling to work (as 93% continued this behaviour). This suggests that cycling to work was an established behaviour for this group. However, the findings show that the Cycle to Work Scheme supported behaviour change for over 6 in 10 (63%) users who did not cycle to work before using the scheme.

Figure 20: Whether users had experienced behaviour change in relation to cycling to work after using the scheme

Cycling to work behaviour since using the scheme	Cycled to work after using the scheme	Have not cycled to work after using the scheme
Cycled to work before the scheme	93%	7%
Did not cycle to work before the scheme	63%	35%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycled to work before using the scheme (179); did not cycle to work before using the scheme (258).

Figure 21 shows the cycling to work behaviour of the overall user population after they used the scheme.

Overall, 3 in 4 users (74%) cycled to work after using the scheme, whilst a quarter did not. Over a third of users (35%) cycled to work both before and after using the scheme and therefore did not change their commuting behaviour.

Around 2 in 5 (39%) users did not cycle to work before using the scheme and started to cycle to work since using the scheme. These users are described as ‘newly commuting cyclists’. Newly commuting cyclists were more likely to be men (73%) than women (26%). They were also more likely to be from ‘Managerial, administrative, and professional’ occupations (71%). This indicates that newly commuting cyclists had similar characteristics to users generally and were not a distinct group in terms of their demographics.

Around 1 in 5 users (22%) did not cycle to work before or after using the scheme, and 3% cycled to work before using the scheme but have not cycled to work since using the scheme (1% of users said they did not know how much of their commute they cycled).

Figure 21: Cycling to work behaviour before and after using the scheme for the overall user population

Cycling to work behaviour since using the scheme	Cycled to before using the scheme	Did not cycled to work before using the scheme
Cycled to work after using the scheme	35%	39%
Have not cycled to work after using the scheme	3%	22%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

6.4 Reasons users cycled to work since using the scheme

The qualitative findings show that the scheme triggered users who were already thinking about cycling to work to get a bicycle and start commuting this way. Newly commuting cyclists tended to already be considering cycling into work for reasons relating to health, flexibility, and affordability.

“The scheme was a catalyst for me making that change to start cycling… Being able to pay for it monthly out of my salary helps because there is an element of not noticing it.” (Scheme user, North)

“I probably never cycled to work before using the scheme. I cycled for fun before, but not for transportation purposes… I only go in twice a week and cycle in on those days… You get fresh air, it gets you out the house and gives you more freedom and flexibility. I now don’t have to abide by the bus timetable.” (Scheme user, London)

In the qualitative interviews, newly commuting cyclists said that, without the scheme, they would still be in the mindset of considering cycling but not doing anything to obtain a bicycle.

“I think [without the scheme] I would still be in that state thinking ‘cycling would make sense for a lot of reasons, but no, I’m not that bothered’. Probably wouldn’t have bought a second-hand bike because I wouldn’t know where to start.” (Scheme user, North)

Both newly commuting cyclists and users who cycled to work before the scheme credited the bicycle they accessed through the scheme with making them feel safer and more protected cycling into work as they had accessed a high-quality bicycle. Users described how having a lightweight bicycle, made from stronger materials than their previous bicycles, encouraged them to use it more:

“[In the past] I couldn’t be bothered to take my mountain bike out because it was so heavy, and I had to carry it down the stairs but with this one [lightweight carbon fibre bike accessed through scheme] I can chuck it over my back if I need to.” (Scheme user, South)

“Without the scheme I would just have a cheaper bike, I would still cycle in. As I said, it’s not too far, it saves money, is good for the environment and keeps you fit.” (Scheme user, London)

These findings indicate that while the scheme alone may not be solely sufficient to motivate people to cycle to work, it can act as a catalyst in making a behavioural change. The opportunity the scheme offers of obtaining a higher quality and more expensive bicycle which feels safer and more enjoyable to ride has encouraged some of these users to cycle more.

6.5 Proportion of cycling to work journeys taken by scheme users

Since using the scheme, 3 in 4 users cycled at least part of the way to work (74%). When asked specifically about the proportion of journeys they cycled to work, responses from scheme users were evenly distributed: 23% said they cycled ‘every time’, 26% ‘most times’, 25% ‘regularly but infrequently’ and 25% ‘occasionally’ (Figure 22).

Figure 22: Proportion of journeys where all users and newly commuting cyclists cycle to work since using the scheme

Cycling group	Every time	Most times	Regularly but infrequently	Occasionally	Total
Newly commuting cyclists	11%	24%	30%	35%	100%
All scheme users	23%	26%	25%	25%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438); users who cycle all or part of the way to work and did not cycle to work before using the scheme (153).

Just over a third (35%) of newly commuting cyclists used their bicycle ‘every time’ (11%) or ‘most times’ (24%), whilst 30% said they used it ‘regularly but infrequently’ and 35% said they used it ‘occasionally’.

As might be expected, those who already cycled to work before using the scheme continued to cycle to work more often than newly commuting cyclists: almost two-thirds (65%) reported using their bicycle ‘every time’ or ‘most times’ when cycling to work.

As shown in Figure 23, 3 in 10 (31%) scheme users who already cycled to work before using the scheme said that they cycled to work more since using the scheme. Over half (53%) said that they cycled to work about the same amount as before using the scheme, whilst 11% said they commuted by bicycle less (2% said they did not use the bike anymore and 3% selected not applicable as they said they did not cycle to work before using the scheme.

Figure 23: Whether users who had commuted to work by bicycle before using the scheme did so more or less since using the scheme

Cycling group	More	About the same	Less	Do not use anymore	Not applicable	Total
Users who cycled to work before using the scheme	31%	53%	11%	2%	3%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycled to work before using the scheme (179).

6.6 Impact of the scheme on other modes of transport available to users

There was also evidence that the scheme has supported reduced car use when commuting to work. Nearly half (47%) of scheme users who were commuting by car or taxi before using the scheme said they used a car or taxi less often since using the scheme. Meanwhile, 13% said they used a car or taxi more since using the scheme, 34% said about the same amount, and 6% said they did not commute by car or taxi anymore.

Figure 24: Whether users who had commuted to work by car or taxi before using the scheme did so more or less since using the scheme

Cycling group	More	About the same	Less	Do not use anymore	Total
Users who commuted by car or taxi did so more or less after using the scheme	13%	34%	47%	6%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and were commuting to work by car or taxi before using the scheme (372).

Users who had previously commuted by car or taxi before using the scheme and cycled to work since using the scheme were driving this behavioural change. Amongst users who said they cycled all or part of the way to work since using the scheme, nearly 3 in 5 (59%) said they commuted by car or taxi less often since using the scheme. In comparison, 13% of those not cycling to work since using the scheme said they were using a car or taxi less.

In the qualitative interviews, users attributed their reduced car use to having taken up cycling, which had replaced some of their previous car journeys to work.

“I use it for visits to the office, visits to the co-working space and for leisure I use it for shopping visits and for longer leisure rides… it has definitely cut out short car trips, probably cut them down by 80 per cent… I wouldn’t even consider cycling to work without it [the scheme].” (Scheme user, South)

6.7 How users would travel to work if they had not used the scheme

Users were asked which modes of transport they would use to travel to work if they had not used the scheme (users could select more than one mode), as shown in Figure 25.

Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) users who were newly commuting cyclists said that they would use a car or taxi. Half of newly commuting cyclists said that they would take a train, tram, tube, bus or coach instead (49%). Just 5% of newly commuting cyclists said that they would cycle to work if they had not used the scheme, whilst 16% said they would walk and 6% said they would car share. This indicates that accessing a bike through the scheme has had a clear impact on users newly commuting by bicycle, moving away from cars and towards cycling.

Figure 25: How newly commuting cyclists would travel to work if they had not used the Cycle to Work Scheme

Cycling group	Car or taxi	Train, tram or tube	Bus or coach	Walking	Car share	Cycling	Total
Newly commuting cyclists	59%	27%	22%	16%	6%	5%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and did not cycle to work before using the scheme but did after using the scheme (153).

6.8 The impact of the scheme on encouraging people to cycle more outside of their commute

As shown in Figure 26, half of all users who owned or had access to a bicycle before using the scheme reported cycling more outside of their commute since using the scheme (51%), whilst 36% said they cycled about the same amount, 9% said a little less and 4% said much less.

Users who owned or had access to a bicycle but did not cycle to work before using the scheme were significantly more likely to say they now cycled more outside of their commute (69%) than those who had cycled to work before using the scheme (40%).

As shown in Figure 26, for users who owned or had access to a bicycle before using the scheme but did not cycle to work before using the scheme, 33% said they cycled much more and 36% said they cycled a little more, whilst 26% said they cycled about the same amount, 3% said a little less and 3% said much less.

Figure 26: Whether users have used their bicycle more or less outside of their commute since using scheme (users who had access to a bicycle before using the scheme)

Cycling group	Much more	A little more	About the same	A little less	Much less	Total
All who had access to a bike before the scheme	22%	29%	36%	9%	4%	100%
Those who had access to a bike before the scheme but did not cycle to work	33%	36%	26%	3%	3%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme (292); owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme but didn’t cycle to work 112).

As shown in Figure 27, nearly 7 in 10 users overall (68%) agreed that the scheme had encouraged them to cycle more generally outside of their commute (34% strongly agreed and 34% somewhat agreed), whilst 19% neither agreed nor disagreed, 7% somewhat disagreed, and 7% strongly disagreed.

Newly commuting cyclists were significantly more likely to agree with this statement (83%) than those who already commuted by bicycle before using the scheme (55%): 45% strongly agreed with the statement and 38% somewhat agreed with the statement. Meanwhile, 9% of newly commuting cyclists neither agreed nor disagreed, 6% somewhat disagreed and 3% strongly disagreed with the statement.

“I’ve found that when cycling for leisure purposes it’s a really good way to get out and learn about the area. That’s been a real positive [of the scheme].” (Scheme user, North)

Figure 27: Whether users agree or disagree that using the scheme has encouraged them to cycle more generally, outside of their commute

Cycling group	Strongly agree	Somewhat agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Somewhat disagree	Strongly disagree	Total
Newly commuting cyclists	45%	38%	9%	6%	3%	100%
All users	34%	34%	19%	7%	7%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438) and did not cycle to work before using the scheme but did after using the scheme (153).

These findings are supported by the qualitative interviews where users described multiple benefits of cycling for leisure. Bicycle rides with family and friends at the weekend and exploring scenic routes in their local area were viewed as a positive use of the bicycle obtained using the scheme, as was making local trips, such as going to the shops or visiting family nearby. Users tended to describe their leisure bicycle rides as weekend activities in which they had time to relax and cycle with other people.

“I have friends from London who come to visit me at the weekend, and they use rental bikes… We cycle around the town for the day… we can cycle to the beach and park up pretty close and then cycle back. It’s a pretty good way of saving money and not getting buses and trains… I cycle into the office twice a week so probably spend about 2 hours cycling to work a week. Leisurely, I probably cycle about 4 hours a week, I often cycle to the supermarket and back.” (Scheme user, South)

Whilst some users had always intended to use their bicycle for leisure purposes, others had accessed their bicycle to cycle to work and then found themselves additionally using it for leisure purposes. Those who used their bicycle for both commuting and leisure spontaneously praised the different types of benefits that accrue from each type of journey.

“[The journey cycling into work acts] like a buffer to get me in the right headspace… Whereas when I do it for leisure it’s through choice and more for enjoyment. It’s different… there’s physical and mental health benefits and I get to explore the area around me.” (Scheme user, North)

6.9 Future intentions of users who plan to continue using their bicycle

As shown in Figure 28, amongst users who had been cycling to work at least part of the way since using the scheme, over 4 in 5 (82%) intended to continue cycling to work using the bicycle they obtained through the scheme in the next 6 months (48% said ‘definitely’, and 34% said ‘probably’), whilst 14% of users said ‘probably not’ and 4% said ‘definitely not’.

Figure 28: Intentions to continue cycling to work with the bicycle they got through the scheme in the next 6 months amongst those who cycle at least part of the way to work since using the scheme

Cycling group	Yes, definitely	Yes, probably	No, probably not	No, definitely not	Total
All users who have cycled at least part of the way to and from work since using the scheme	48%	34%	14%	4%	100%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycled at least part of the way to work since using the scheme (314).

These findings were echoed in the qualitative interviews: users reported that they planned to continue cycling to work because cycling was cheaper than driving, they now had a bicycle that they wanted to use, and they enjoyed the journey into work for mental and physical health reasons.

“I want to try to cycle more because the cost of living is going up. Why not utilise a free mode of transport?” (Scheme User, North)

6.10 Reasons why some scheme users did not cycle to work on the bike accessed through the scheme

As shown earlier in the report, a quarter of scheme users (25%) said they did not cycle to work using the bicycle they accessed through the scheme at the time of the survey. As shown in Figure 29, when these users were asked why, the primary reason cited was journey length (39%). The perceived unsuitability of the roads to work was the second most common reason (32%). 29% said other reasons not specified in the survey.

The qualitative interviews found that those who did not use the bicycle they accessed through the scheme to cycle to work included those who had started cycling to work using the bicycle accessed through the scheme and stopped, and those who had never intended to use the bicycle to cycle to work. The group who had started cycling to work then stopped experienced a lifestyle change which meant that this was no longer practical for them.

“Since having a new-born baby I cycle less because I have less sleep and energy. I want to get home from work quicker, so I drive. I’ve found that when cycling for leisure purposes it’s a really good way to get out and learn about the area. That’s been a real positive.” (Scheme User, North)

“When I lived in Dublin I cycled into work and more for leisure because everything was a lot closer together. There were so many train stations with bike lockers where you could store bikes. It was a lot easier with a bike than where I live now [in England].” (Scheme user, North)

Those who had always intended to use the bicycle solely for leisure purposes tended to have young children who they needed to drop off at school or nursery which they found made cycling into work unviable or lived too far away from their place of work to make cycling there possible. Instead, these users reported using their bicycle for leisure bicycle rides at the weekend or to visit family and friends nearby. These users knew that using the bicycle to cycle to work was a condition of accessing a bicycle through the scheme but felt that no one would be checking how they used it, so did not feel obliged to do so. They considered the scheme a good way to get a nice bicycle.

Some employers also described being aware that some of their employees were using the scheme to access a bicycle solely for leisure purposes and were comfortable with this.

Figure 29: Reasons why scheme users do not use the bike accessed through the scheme to cycle to work

Reasons for not using scheme bike to cycle to work	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users who said they did not use their scheme bike to cycle to work
Journey is too long	39%
No suitable routes	32%
Unsafe	13%
Cycling is inconvenient	10%
Poor weather	8%
Too tiring	7%
Nowhere to change at work	6%
Expensive maintenance	6%
Need to pick child up	5%
To do other activities whilst commuting	5%
Other	29%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and said they did not use the bike accessed through the scheme to cycle to work at the time of the survey (127).

The qualitative interviews showed that, for some, their practical barriers were not going to shift so would remain a barrier to cycling into work and, as a result, they would not start cycling any time soon.

“I was thinking about swapping to the bike because I think it will be cheaper and the trains keep striking. I’ve not thought about cycling to work where I currently work because I don’t have enough time between when childcare opens and when I need to be in work. If I had a job that was closer to home, I would definitely cycle more… If there was a bike rack it would also help because I could do the school run and then cycle afterwards [on to work].” (Scheme user, North)

Users described the increase in journey time by bicycle in comparison to car as a demotivating factor to cycling. For participants who needed to drop children at school or nursery, a mode of transport that could carry children was essential.

The idea of cycling into work on busy main roads was additionally disliked as it was considered both unsafe and uncomfortable. Roads with poor provision for cyclists and lack of cycle lanes were cited as a barrier for both users and non-users.

“Better road conditions, or specifically more provision for cyclists… it does affect you when instantly if you [make contact] with a car or pass one another, you’re at fault for being there by definition of being a cyclist. It puts me off.” (Scheme user, North)

Poor weather served as a barrier to people using their bicycles in autumn and winter. In some cases, this was because people wanted to go in to work less during winter, as they preferred to work from home when it is cold and dark. In other cases, users claimed that they did not want to arrive at work wet and muddy. Those who did not have showers and changing facilities spontaneously mentioned this issue:

“With the weather being like this at the moment I’ll probably carry on cycling into work but in autumn if it gets cold and wet then I’ll probably get the train instead. I tend to use my bike a lot less throughout the winter. I can be flexible with when I go into work, I tend to go in a lot when it’s summer and spring but in the winter, I’d prefer to stay at home.” (Scheme user, London)

“If you cycle in in the wet and mud it’s not so bad on the way back but on the way there it’s another issue to think about that you wouldn’t have if you took the car.” (Scheme user, North)

In keeping with these findings, as shown in Figure 30, the quantitative survey found that factors that would encourage scheme users to start cycling to work were centred on better and more cycle lanes for 2 in 3 (64%) and feeling safer for over half (55%). Almost 3 in 10 users who did not cycle to work felt that they would be encouraged by better places to store their bicycle while at work (29%), and better changing and showering facilities (27%).

These findings suggest that infrastructure, including contributing to greater perceived safety, is key to encouraging more people to cycle to work. The same entrenched barriers to cycling, unrelated to the scheme itself, are experienced by eligible non-users and scheme users who said they did not use the bike accessed through the scheme to cycle to work.

Figure 30: Factors which would encourage scheme users to start cycling to work

Factors which would encourage cycling to work	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users but did not cycle to work at the time of the survey
Better or more cycle lanes	64%
Feel safer whilst cycling	55%
Places to safely store my bike at work	29%
Better changing or showering facilities at work	27%
More affordable bikes	15%
Training to help me feel more confident	10%
None of these options	18%

Unweighted base: all those who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years, have access to a bike but do not currently cycle to work at the time of the survey (145).

These findings suggest that infrastructure, including contributing to greater perceived safety, is key to encouraging more people to cycle to work. The same entrenched barriers to cycling, unrelated to the scheme itself, are experienced by eligible non-users and scheme users who said they did not use the bike accessed through the scheme to cycle to work.

7. Appropriateness of the Cycle to Work Scheme

This section of the report explores the appropriateness of the scheme, by examining whether the existing format of the scheme is appropriate or if the existing outcomes could be achieved if the scheme was offered through a different format. To assess this, we tested a series of hypothetical, alternative delivery mechanisms with scheme users in the survey and participants in the qualitative interviews.

7.1 Key findings

The benefits of the existing scheme were that it is easy to use and allows users to spread their payments over time without taking out a loan. Users’ ideal scheme would replicate this model. Employers were seen as an appropriate body for administering the scheme.

Of the 4 schemes presented, the current scheme design was the most popular. Despite this, each of hypothetical schemes had high take-up rates, with at least 6 in 10 scheme users reporting that they would use each hypothetical scheme if the current scheme did not exist.

7.2 Response to the hypothetical schemes for delivering the Cycle to Work Scheme

To explore questions around the appropriateness of the scheme, we presented Cycle to Work Scheme users and eligible non-users with different examples of hypothetical alternative mechanisms for delivering the scheme, instead of an employer deducting the cost of a bike from the employee’s monthly salary.

Hypothetical Scheme 1

The government gives users an upfront payment of £200 to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle or equipment to commute to work.

Hypothetical Scheme 2

The government gives users a voucher to be used in bicycle shops or online, equal to the amount of money they would save on a bicycle using the current Cycle to Work Scheme (£200).

Hypothetical Scheme 3

The government gives users an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bicycle. This payment is an interest-free loan which they pay back monthly over 18 to 24 months. This spreads out the cost for the bicycle over 18 to 24 months.

Hypothetical Scheme 4

The government gives users an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bicycle. Part of this payment is an interest-free loan which is paid back monthly over 18 to 24 months. The other part is a grant, equal to the amount of money someone would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme (£200).

In the survey, scheme users were asked to rank each of the hypothetical schemes alongside the current scheme in the order of their preferred delivery mechanism. Figure 31 shows the proportion of users who would be likely to choose each of the hypothetical schemes as their first choice compared to the current scheme. From the options tested, the existing scheme (33%) and Hypothetical Scheme 4 (31%) were most preferred among users. Hypothetical Scheme 1 (16%), Hypothetical Scheme 2 (12%), and Hypothetical Scheme 3 (5%) were less popular options users chose as their first-choice preference.

Figure 31: Proportion of users who would select the current scheme or hypothetical schemes as their ‘ideal scheme’

Current or hypothetical schemes	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Current scheme	33%
Hypothetical scheme 4	31%
Hypothetical scheme 1	16%
Hypothetical scheme 2	12%
Hypothetical scheme 3	5%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

7.3 What users would do if the current scheme was delivered through one of the alternative mechanisms

Overall, each of hypothetical schemes had at least 6 in 10 scheme users reporting that they would use each of them, if the current scheme did not exist. As shown in Figure 32, if the current scheme did not exist and users needed or wanted a new bicycle, they would be most likely to use Hypothetical Scheme 4 (78%) or Hypothetical Scheme 2 (73%), followed by Hypothetical Scheme 1 (62%) and Hypothetical Scheme 3 (61%).

Figure 32: If this scheme existed and you need or wanted a new bicycle, would you use it?

Hypothetical schemes	% of Cycle to Work Scheme users
Hypothetical scheme 4	78%
Hypothetical scheme 1	73%
Hypothetical scheme 2	61%
Hypothetical scheme 3	60%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (438).

7.4 What changes in the scheme would be attractive to users and eligible non-users?

In the qualitative interviews, scheme users highlighted the benefits of the current scheme. Views ranged from saving money on a bicycle, being able to access a higher value bicycle, spreading the cost without taking out a loan, and the ease of administration.

We also asked users and eligible non-users about what they liked and did not about the hypothetical schemes, which suggested ways in which the schemes could be more attractive. Eligible non-users were asked about the aspects of the hypothetical schemes they liked and disliked to provide further insight into how the Cycle to Work Scheme could attract a wider pool of users in the future. A summary of the responses to each of the hypothetical schemes are outlined below.

Hypothetical Scheme 1: upfront payment of £200 to be used towards the cost of a bicycle

When asked about Hypothetical Scheme 1, users and eligible non-users felt that it would benefit people wanting to access lower cost bicycles and those in insecure work. However, both groups felt that the limitations of this scheme were the inability to spread the cost of a new bicycle and that the £200 voucher (which reflects the overall average cost saving of the current Cycle to Work Scheme) would not offer as much of a saving on more expensive bicycles, where the saving using the current scheme is greater than £200. For this reason, they felt that the current scheme could give users more financial benefit.

Hypothetical Scheme 2: voucher equal to the amount of money users would save on a bicycle using the current Cycle to Work Scheme

Users and eligible non-users felt that Hypothetical Scheme 2 would appeal to people who wanted to access a bicycle but are in insecure or short term work. However, the drawback of this scheme was not being able to spread the cost of a new bicycle.

Hypothetical Scheme 3: upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bicycle in the form of an interest-free loan to be paid back over 18 to 24 months

Users and eligible non-users of the scheme commented that the ability to spread the cost over a longer period (18 to 24 months) was a key benefit of Hypothetical Scheme 3. However, the loan aspect of this hypothetical delivery mechanism was less favoured amongst users and eligible non-users of the current scheme. Some people were worried about the impact that this hypothetical scheme would have on their credit score, the ability of people with poor credit scores to access the scheme, and how they would interact with government about any potential issues with the scheme.

Hypothetical Scheme 4: the government gives users an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bicycle including an interest-free loan and a grant, where the grant reflects the amount of money someone would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme

Much like Hypothetical Scheme 3, users and eligible non-users of the current scheme pointed out that being able to spread the cost of a new bicycle over a longer period of time (18 to 24 months) was a key benefit of this scheme. However, both groups remarked how it was too complicated to understand in comparison to the current scheme. Furthermore, much like Hypothetical Scheme 3, both groups were worried about the implications that this alternative delivery mechanism could have on their credit score, and that receiving the saving by paying less tax (in the current scheme) was an attractive mechanism in itself.

7.5 What does this tell us about the ideal scheme?

The qualitative interviews with users and eligible non-users of the current scheme suggest that an ideal scheme should be easy to use. The findings also suggest that there is a preference for a salary sacrifice model rather than paying back a loan, and that the 2 approaches are seen differently by people.

Furthermore, the incremental tax savings that employees could obtain through the current scheme was seen to be one of the key appealing features of an ideal scheme, rather than saving money through upfront payment (as was the case in Hypothetical Scenario 1, 2 and 4). This suggests that there is something particularly attractive about saving money by paying less tax.

8. Impact of the Cycle to Work Scheme on employers

This section of the report explores the impact of offering the scheme on employers. Specifically, it explores the enablers and barriers to offering the scheme among employers offering the scheme and employers not offering the scheme. This section also explores experiences of administering the scheme amongst employers who offered the scheme to their employees.

8.1 Key findings

Reasons why employers offered the Cycle to Work Scheme included: the mental and physical benefits which staff get from cycling, the positive impact of offering the scheme on retention and recruitment, environmental benefits by cycling instead of taking other forms of transport to commute, and staff requesting the scheme and the ease of administering the scheme.

Reasons why employers did not offer the scheme were employers not believing that the scheme was relevant to their employees, and employers having a lack of awareness of the scheme and how it operated.

8.2 What are the reasons for offering the scheme among employers?

Employers offering the Cycle to Work Scheme were asked about the factors that encouraged them to offer the scheme to their employees. Employers offering the scheme put forward a range of factors that encouraged them to offer the scheme to their employees.

Ease of administration

For instance, employers who used a scheme provider reported finding it particularly straightforward and that little was required of them (employers are also able to set up their own salary sacrifice arrangement - more information regarding this is included in the glossary at “Scheme provider”).

“It’s super easy. They do everything. If somebody signs up it’s literally 5 minutes of the business’s time. Everything else is dealt with by the provider.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, London, with 250 or more employees)

Paired with this, employers who offered the Cycle to Work Scheme through a scheme provider selected them through different channels. Among employers included in this research, scheme providers were not paid. Ways in which employers chose their scheme providers included searching online and choosing the first one they came across or using the same provider in an organisation they had in the past, when working in another organisation.

“I think we just Googled and this provider was the first one to come up.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 50 to 249 employees)

“I had used them before in previous organisations, they handled everything and it worked well. They were affiliated with a childcare voucher scheme already in place at that org. I trusted them and had no problems with them.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, North, with 250 or more employees)

All employers described the scheme as being available to all eligible employees throughout the year, providing they had passed their probation period.

However, despite the Cycle to Work Scheme being easy to administer among employers, there was one instance in which an employer reported lack of understanding about what to do when an employee had left the company mid-way through their scheme agreement.

“It’s really easy [to administer], apart from when the employee leaves. I did have one case where an employee paid into the scheme for 3 years and then left and we just let him walk away with a really nice bike. No one asked him to give the bike back… [I don’t know about the options at the end] but I know you’re not supposed to keep the bike.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, North, with 10 to 49 employees)

Mental and physical health benefits for staff

Employers who offered the Cycle to Work Scheme to their employees also cited the mental and physical health benefits as a reason for offering the scheme the scheme to their employees.

“It fits into our overall ethos of promoting good mental health and physical health.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 50 to 249 employees)

Positive impact on recruitment and retention

Employers considered the Cycle to Work Scheme to be a tool to encourage recruitment and staff retention that could sit along aside salaries and other benefit packages they offered.

“We don’t offer massively competitive salaries [in the arts] so something we try to do is to find incentives to offset that and the Cycle to Work Scheme falls within that. It does help with retention because we can say we offer staff this.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 50 to 249 employees)

Beneficial for the environment

Employers also reported offering the Cycle to Work Scheme because it aligned with their commitment to being environmentally friendly.

“We don’t have a specific policy, but we try to go paperless as much as possible, we also encourage staff to be more eco-friendly and green. So offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, is a good thing for us, our staff, and fits in within our corporate social responsibility.” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 50 to 249 employees)

Staff requested that their employer offered the Cycle to Work Scheme

There was also an instance where one employer decided to offer the scheme as it was requested by several of their employees.

“We try to work with our employees to offer them things they say will benefit them. A lot of employees put their hand up and said this scheme would be of benefit to them. It wasn’t a huge administration burden or something that would be complicated so we thought ‘why not?” (Employer offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 50 to 249 employees)

8.3 What are the reasons for not offering the scheme among employers?

Employers not offering the Cycle to Work Scheme were asked about the barriers to doing so.

Not relevant to their employees

Employers not offering the scheme cited that the reason that they did not offer the scheme was because they did not think it would be relevant to their employees because of the age profile of their workforce and the location of their offices being inaccessible by bicycle.

“Because of the age of the staff and the distance to work, the cycle to work scheme never gets mentioned as something employees wants.” (Employer not offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 1 to 9 employees)

“The location of our offices makes our site inaccessible by bicycle, so it wouldn’t suit our employees.” (Employer not offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, South, with 10 to 49 employees)

Lack of awareness of the scheme

There also seemed to be a lack of awareness of the scheme among employers not offering it, but there was a willingness to find out more information about the benefit it could provide to their staff.

“I wasn’t sent a proposal on how to offer the Cycle to Work Scheme or any information. If I was sent this, maybe I would have considered offering it to my employees as a potential benefit.” (Employer not offering the Cycle to Work Scheme, Midlands, with 50 to 249 employees)

9. Conclusion

9.1 Impact of the scheme on cycling to work

Almost 4 in 10 (39%) Cycle to Work Scheme users can be described as ‘newly commuting cyclists’ as they reported that they had started cycling to work since using the scheme. This suggests the scheme influenced the behaviour of this group of scheme users. In the qualitative interviews, newly commuting cyclists credited the scheme with encouraging them to start cycling to work, as their new bicycle made them feel safer, more secure, and more confident on the roads.

Over a third (35%) of users said that they cycled to work before and after using the scheme. 22% of users said that they did not cycle to work before or after using the scheme, while 3% said that they cycled to work before using the scheme but not after using it.

Overall, around 4 in 10 (38%) scheme users reported cycling to work before using the scheme compared to three-quarters (74%) after using the scheme.

9.2 Demographic profile of scheme users

Scheme users were more likely to be men, from a white ethnic background, between the ages of 25 to 54 years old. They were most likely to be based in London, working in modern professional occupations with above median earnings.

9.3 Use of the scheme

The main way people heard about the scheme was through their employer, followed by colleagues, indicating that the workplace was the most important place for people to hear about the scheme. Ensuring that employers understand the scheme and have the right information about it is essential, as the scheme depends on effective communication from employers.

Most scheme users had used the scheme once (69%) and 3 in 10 had used it more than once (31%). Repeat use of the scheme was mainly driven by wanting a new bicycle rather than needing a replacement.

The administration of the scheme was praised for its simplicity by both employers and employees. Administering the end of the scheme was the one area which indicated challenges, particularly for smaller employers who had not used a scheme provider.

9.4 Motivations for using the scheme

Motivations for using the scheme were shared equally between saving money on a bicycle and spreading the cost. This was the case in the survey and also the qualitative interviews.

9.5 Barriers to using the scheme

The barriers to using the Cycle to Work Scheme focused predominantly on barriers to cycling, as opposed to the scheme itself. Amongst non-users, reasons for not using the scheme centred around their journey to work being too long (34%), feeling unsafe cycling (23%) or already owning a bicycle (22%). Very few respondents reported their employer not offering the scheme (9%), the scheme itself being too complicated (4%) or their understanding of the scheme (3%) as barriers to using it. Eligible non-users who participated in the qualitative interviews cited similar barriers to using the scheme such as concerns that centred on safety and practicalities, such as speed, comfort, facilities and distance, which made cycling to work unattractive.

Amongst scheme users who did not use their bicycle for commuting to work a quarter (25%) attributed their non-use to practicalities that made cycling to work unfeasible. Of these, 39% cited journey length, 32% cited the perceived unsuitability of roads, and 13% cited safety concerns. This shows how the scheme is unable to address more general barriers to cycling.

9.6 Appropriateness of the scheme

When users were presented with 4 hypothetical alternative mechanisms for delivering the scheme, the existing scheme came closest to users’ ideal design. Users appreciated the fact that they were able to spread the cost through salary sacrifice schemes rather than a loan, the tax benefits were attractive, and it was considered easy to use.

9.7 Impact of the scheme on employers

In the qualitative interviews, employers described being motivated to offer the scheme due to the ease of administration, because it fitted in with their company benefit packages, and aligned with wider corporate and social responsibilities around environmentalism and physical health. Employers who did not offer the scheme said that they would be encouraged to offer it if an employee directly asked for it and if they had more information about how the scheme works.

10. Appendix 1: Technical appendix

The following section provides technical details about the cognitive testing approach used, Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel, qualitative interviews and the iSay Panel.

10.1 Cognitive interviews

Cognitive testing is a technique used to test and improve survey questions. During a cognitive interview, survey questions are administered and participants are asked about the cognitive processes they go through in answering those questions to uncover problems with those questions and to make recommendations for improvements. Cognitive testing is also known as cognitive interviewing but should not be confused with the cognitive interviewing used by the police with witnesses.

Survey questions are designed to be standardised and understood and answered in a consistent manner to produce reliable and unbiased data for analysis. A survey pilot can tell us about overt problems with questions, for example questions which participants don’t answer or give ‘don’t know’ answers to, questions which participants asked to be repeated, or questions where their answers are inconsistent with responses to other questions. However, it doesn’t tell us about whether participants:

*understand the terms used in the question or the question as a whole *can accurately recall the information needed to answer the question *make appropriate judgements about which information to include in their answer *can fit the answer they want to give into the answer categories or format provided, or *can navigate a self-completion questionnaire

Cognitive interviews allow us to explore all these issues so that the final survey questions are understood as the researchers intended and produce data which can be compared between key groups of interest and over time.

During a cognitive interview, the survey questions are delivered in a mode and setting as close to the main survey as possible, a process termed as ‘mode mimicking’. For example, if the questions are designed to be delivered in a face to face survey, the interviewer will read them out, use showcards where necessary, and record the responses provided. If the questionnaire is a self-completion online survey, ideally the questions will be programmed, and tested with the participant on a laptop, tablet or mobile, even though it is likely that an interviewer would still be present to observe and to carry out the exploratory probing.

Three main techniques are then used to explore the question and answer process:

• observation: looking for hesitation, confusion, requests for clarification
• think aloud: the participant is asked to verbalise the thought processes they go through when answering the questions
• probing: the interviewer asks scripted or spontaneous probes to explore specific issues such as how participants understand a particular word or phrase, what time frame they are thinking about when recalling information, whether there are any missing answer options

10.2 UK Knowledge Panel

The UK KnowledgePanel is Ipsos’ random probability online panel. It provides an accessible random probability alternative to face to face and telephone methods and offers a high quality and efficient means of obtaining survey results using a single data collection method.

Recruitment to the panel

Panellists are recruited via a random probability un-clustered address-based sampling method. This means that every household in the UK has a known chance of being selected to join the panel. Letters are sent to selected addresses in the UK (using the Postcode Address File) inviting them to become members of the panel. Invited members are able to sign up to the panel by completing a short online questionnaire or by returning a paper form. Up to 2 members of the household are able to sign up to the panel. Members of the public who are digitally excluded are able to register to the KnowledgePanel either by post or by telephone, and are given a tablet, an email address, and basic internet access (see further information below) which allows them to complete surveys online.

The postal push-to-web approach for recruitment means a person who is digitally excluded is just as likely to receive an invitation to join the KnowledgePanel as those with internet access. The provision of tablets means all panellists have a similar experience completing surveys, and, as opposed to offering another mode of completion to the digitally excluded such as telephone interviews, this approach gives researchers confidence that any differences between groups are genuine and not an artefact of different mode effects. Tablets are restricted to basic online browsing and email use (for example, streaming is not allowed) to avoid inadvertently changing panellists’ behaviour. Panellists provided with a tablet receive a printed instruction book with information about how to use the tablet, how to access their email, and how to access the surveys. They are also provided with a free telephone helpline that they can call if they require technical support.

On average, panellists are invited to participate in 2 surveys per month. Invitations are sent to panellist’s personal email address and clearly states the incentive amount they will receive upon completing the survey, as well as the estimated length of the survey. Once they have completed a survey, panellists are allocated with points immediately, which they can claim on the KnowledgePanel portal at a time of their choosing.

Upon launch of the survey, response and dropout rates are closely monitored to ensure panellists are not having any issues with the survey. Additionally, the time it takes respondents to complete the survey is monitored, with particular attention paid to those completing the survey in a suspiciously swift time. We ensure good ‘panel health’ by making sure that participants are authentic and who they said they are (by using a double opt-in process for recruitment), panel members are distinct and can only take part in the survey once, are fresh and not over-sampled.

10.3 Conducting the survey

The survey was designed using a ‘mobile-first’ approach, which took into consideration the look, feel and usability of a questionnaire on a mobile device. This included: a thorough review of the questionnaire length to ensure it would not over burden respondents from focusing on a small screen for a lengthy period, avoiding the use of grid style questions (instead using question loops which are more mobile friendly, and making questions ‘finger-friendly’ to they’re easy to respond to). The questionnaire was also compatible with screen reader software to help those requiring further accessibility.

10.4 Sample and weighting information

In total, 438 interviews were achieved with residents across the United Kingdom aged 16 and above, who have made a payment towards the Cycle to Work scheme in the last 5 years.

The KnowledgePanel is a random probability survey panel. Therefore, the KnowledgePanel does not use a quota approach when conducting surveys. Instead invited samples are stratified when conducting waves to account for any profile skews within the panel.

10.5 Stratification

The sample was stratified by region and age to ensure that the invited sample was balanced on key population metrics. The sampling approach means the achieved sample is balanced and that there is no need to apply heavy weights in the data processing stage. The selected sample was then reviewed on key demographics to ensure a balanced sample was selected for the survey. The final response counts are listed below.

Question	Number of completed responses
The UK Government offers a Cycle to Work Scheme through which employers can provide eligible employees with use of a bicycle. The most common way in which employers offer the scheme is for employees to choose a bike, which the employer buys on their behalf and leases back to the employee. The employee pays the hire fees out of their pre-tax salary, meaning they do not pay tax on the value of the bicycle or equipment. After the initial hire period and making payments towards it, the employee is given the option of paying the remaining market value of the bike to own it, continuing to lease it (for no additional charge) or returning the bike to their employer. Before today had you heard of this scheme?	12,790
Have you ever used the Cycle to Work Scheme?	7,426
Why haven’t you used the Cycle to Work Scheme?	6,554
Have you made a payment towards a bicycle or equipment you got through the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years? In other words, have you had a payment for a bicycle or equipment deducted from your salary since June 2017.	438

10.6 Weighting

To ensure the survey results are as representative of the population of United Kingdom as possible, the below weighting specification was applied to the data in line with the target sample profile.

Two members per household are allowed to register on the KnowledgePanel. Therefore, we employed a design weight to correct for unequal probabilities of selection of household members.

Calibration weights have also been applied using the latest population statistics relevant to the surveyed population. England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are each weighted separately while an additional weight has been created for the United Kingdom to account for any over or under-sampling within each of these countries.

Two sets of calibration weights are applied. Calibration weighting was applied using the following variables: region and an interlocked variable of gender by age. Both use ONS 2020 mid-year population estimates as the weighting target. Demographic weights were then applied to correct for imbalances in the achieved sample; the data was weighted on: education, ethnicity, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintiles, and number of adults in the household. Estimates from the ONS 2020 mid-year population estimates and Annual Population Survey were used as the weighting target.

The tables below present the weighting profile targets for those in England and Wales aged 16 and over.

Age & Gender	Male	Female	In another way	Prefer not to say
16-24	6.68%	6.31%	0.12%	0.06%
25-34	8.33%	8.20%	0.08%	0.05%
35-44	7.69%	7.80%	0.05%	0.09%
45-54	8.19%	8.40%	0.05%	0.04%
55-64	7.30%	7.55%	0.04%	0.13%
65-74	5.90%	6.36%	0.03%	0.05%
75 and over	4.50%	5.97%	0.00%	0.03%

Region	Weighting profile target
North East	4.56%
North West	12.35%
Yorkshire And The Humber	9.26%
East Midlands	8.19%
West Midlands	9.92%
East Of England	10.45%
London	14.81%
South East	15.42%
South West	9.64%
Wales	5.39%

IMD quintiles	Weighting profile target
1	20.00%
2	20.00%
3	20.00%
4	20.00%
5	20.00%

Education	Weighting profile target
Degree level or above	29.86%
Below degree level	68.69%
Prefer not to say or Not Stated	1.45%

Ethnicity	Weighting profile targets
White	85.53%
Non-White	12.93%
Don’t know or Prefer not to say	1.54%

Number of adults in the household (aged 16 and over population)	Weighting profile targets
One adult	18.19%
Two or more adults	81.81%

The tables below present the weighting profile targets for those in Scotland aged 16 and over.

Age & Gender	Male	Female	In another way	Prefer not to say
16-24	6.36%	6.16%	0.10%	0.00%
25-34	8.16%	8.25%	0.27%	0.07%
35-44	7.19%	7.48%	0.00%	0.10%
45-54	8.05%	8.60%	0.00%	0.07%
55-64	7.81%	8.31%	0.07%	0.14%
65-74	6.04%	6.58%	0.03%	0.00%
75+	4.20%	5.96%	0.00%	0.00%

Scottish Parliamentary Regions	Weighting profile targets
Central Scotland	12.14%
Glasgow	13.13%
Highlands and Islands	8.25%
Lothian	14.62%
Mid Scotland and Fife	12.28%
North East Scotland	14.10%
South Scotland	12.56%
West Scotland	12.92%

IMD quintiles	Weighting profile targets
1	20.00%
2	20.00%
3	20.00%
4	20.00%
5	20.00%

Education	Weighting profile targets
Degree level or above	27.82%
Below degree level	71.41%
Prefer not to say or Not Stated	0.77%

Ethnicity	Weighting profile targets
White	94.84%
Non-White	4.76%
Don’t know or Prefer not to say	0.40%

Number of adults in the household (16 and over population)	Weighting profile targets
One adult	21.71%
Two or more adults	78.29%

The tables below present the weighting profile targets for those in Northern Ireland aged 16 and over.

Age & Gender	Male	Female	In another way	Prefer not to say
16-24	7.05%	6.55%	0.00%	0.16%
25-34	8.24%	8.29%	0.00%	0.31%
35-44	7.77%	8.22%	0.00%	0.08%
45-54	8.35%	8.77%	0.00%	0.00%
55-64	7.53%	7.78%	0.00%	0.00%
65-74	5.50%	5.87%	0.00%	0.00%
75+	4.00%	5.53%	0.00%	0.00%

Region (NUTS 3)	Weighting profile targets
Belfast	15.55%
East	24.46%
North	15.68%
Outer Belfast	21.80%
West and South	22.51%

IMD quintiles	Weighting profile targets
1	19.95%
2	20.02%
3	19.89%
4	20.02%
5	20.13%

Education	Weighting profile targets
Degree level or above	23.19%
Below degree level	75.62%
Prefer not to say or Not Stated	1.19%

Ethnicity	Weighting profile targets
White	97.36%
Non-White	1.79%
Don’t know or Prefer not to say	0.85%

Number of adults in the household (16 and over population)	Weighting profile targets
One adult	16.88%
Two or more adults	83.12%

10.7 Qualitative research sample

Users and non-users

User sample subgroup	Total number of interviews
Employees who had used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (users)	14
Employees who were eligible to use the Cycle to Work Scheme but have not used it (eligible non-users)	6

User sample subgroup	Number of interviews with users	Number of interviews with eligible non-users
Social Economic Grouping A-B	8	4
Social Economic Grouping C1, C2, D	6	2
Small sized employer	5	2
Medium sized employer	5	2
Large sized employer	4	2
Aged 18-35	6	3
Aged 35-50	6	2
Aged 50+	2	1
Female	7	3
Male	7	3
Belonging to an ethnic minority	4	2
Used the Cycle to Work Scheme multiple times in 5 years	5	Not applicable
Used the Cycle to Work Scheme a single time in 5 years	9	Not applicable
London	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Midlands	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
South	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
North	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Scotland	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Wales	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor

Employers

Employer sample subgroup	Total number of interviews
Employers who offered the Cycle to Work Scheme to their employees	5
Employers who did not offer the Cycle to Work Scheme to their employees	5

Employer sample subgroup	Number of interviews with employers who offered the scheme	Number of interviews with employers who didn’t offer the scheme
Small sized employer	1	Mix and monitor
Medium sized employer	2	Mix and monitor
Large sized employer	2	Mix and monitor
Business or public administration & support services	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Education & health	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Financial, insurance, information, & communication	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Retail & wholesale	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Manufacturing, construction	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
London	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Midlands	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
South	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
North	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Scotland	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor
Wales	Mix and monitor	Mix and monitor

Broader regional categories were used in the qualitative research with employees and employers due to smaller sample sizes.

Freefind recruitment

The qualitative recruitment for this study was conducted by an accredited recruitment partner working on behalf of Ipsos. The techniques they use to identify and recruit participants include:

• a UK Wide network of accredited recruiters
• specialist recruiters
• desk Research to identify suitable companies or participants and first contact by a cold call or email
• through social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook
• associations or specialist groups, contacting relevant associations or groups for referrals to suitable participants or permission to post an ad about the research in their publications or on their websites
• face to Face street recruitment in locations of interest with or without an information leaflet

10.8 Ipsos iSay Panel

The Cycle to Work Scheme Evaluation survey was also run on the Ipsos iSay online panel, a non-probability panel. For the final report, only the random probability survey (KnowledgePanel) findings are included as these are representative and generalisable to the population of Cycle to Work Scheme users and non-users in the UK. The non-probability findings are included in the technical appendix for information.

The Ipsos iSay panel is Ipsos’ proprietary online access panel, managed and run by Ipsos. We engage our panellists on their device of choice through i-Say®, our social polling platform available via website or a native mobile app. Our dynamic profiling mechanisms give us deep, up-to-date understanding of our panellists. Combined with standard screeners and efficient routing, they allow us to find the right respondent at the right time, while ensuring the best possible user experience.

We combine proprietary and best-in-class fraud detection technology to eliminate undesirable respondents and deliver the most robust data.

We use the following strategies to ensure that panellists are who they say they are and can only join our panel once:

• double Opt-In approach
• name or Address validation
• country validation via Geo-IP
• checking for any mismatch between device settings and geo location
• detection of bots via Captcha code
• detection of data anomalies and patterns
• duplicate emails identification
• detect duplication through digital fingerprinting and web or flash cookies
• duplicate contact details

In addition, we carefully monitor how many surveys people are sent, to ensure they are not over-researched. We also carefully monitor how people respond to the surveys, to ensure they remain engaged.

The sample composition is carefully monitored and continually refreshed.

Fieldwork was conducted between 26 July and 1 August 2022 and 1,000 completes were achieved. Data was weighted to the profile of scheme users from the Knowledge Panel. Data from both panels were merged to ensure robustness and reliability.

1. Do you personally own or have use of a bike?

Response options	iSay results
I own or have access to a bike for my sole use	91%
I do not personally own a bike but have use of a privately owned bike	6%
I do not personally own a bike but use a public bike (for example, a Santander bike, Hourbike, Nextbike)	1%
No, I do not own or have access to a bike	2%
Don’t know	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

2. Do you ever cycle to work? This could be to complete a journey to work or to a train or bus station for you to complete your journey

Response options	Results
Yes, if cycling, I cycle all the way to work from my home	64%
Yes, if cycling, I cycle part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport	19%
No, I commute another way	12%
No, I work from home full-time	5%
Don’t know	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

3. Where did you hear about the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Response options	iSay results
From my employer	53%
From a friend or family member	26%
From a colleague	24%
Social networks (for example, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)	23%
Media, TV or news	21%
Bike shop	18%
Email or direct marketing	18%
From search engines or web searches	17%
Radio advert	14%
From a different source	1%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and are aware of the scheme (740).

4. How many times have you used the Cycle to Work Scheme to access a new bicycle in the past 5 years?

Response options	iSay results
1	57%
2	14%
3	16%
4	6%
5	7%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

5. Why have you used the Cycle to Work Scheme more than once in the past 5 years?

Response options	iSay results
I enjoy using different bicycles	46%
Decided to change or upgrade my bike	42%
My first bicycle broke	40%
I use different bicycles for different types of road or journeys	35%
Other (please specify)	1%
Don’t know	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years more than once (453).

6. Which, if any, of the following do you plan on doing when you reach the end of the Cycle to Work Scheme? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently.

Response options	iSay results
Buy the bicycle or equipment from my employer	54%
Continue leasing from employer for no additional fee	22%
Give the bicycle or equipment back	18%
Other (please specify)	2%
None of these	3%
Don’t know	3%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

7. Firstly, what was the retail price of the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently.

Response options	iSay results
Under £200	24%
£201 to £400	19%
£401 to £600	16%
£601 to £800	9%
£801 to £1,000	13%
£1,001 to £1,200	5%
£1,201 to £1,400	2%
£1,401 to £1,600	3%
£1,601 to £1,800	1%
£1,801 to £2,000	2%
Over £2,000	5%
Don’t know	2%
Mean	632.88

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

8. Did you get any other cycling equipment or accessories using the Cycle to Work Scheme at this time?

Response options	iSay results
Yes	66%
No	32%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

9. What other bicycle related equipment or accessories did you get through the scheme?

Response options	iSay results
Helmet	53%
Lights	44%
Lock	42%
Bike pump	36%
Mudguards	29%
Cycling clothing	26%
Bags (on-bike and off-bike)	26%
Tyres	24%
Frames	18%
Cycle trailers	17%
Components, such as groupsets, brake levers	17%
Child seats	17%
E-bike conversion kit	16%
Other (please specify)	3%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and got cycling equipment or accessories using the Cycle to Work Scheme (513).

10. What was the total retail price of the cycling equipment or accessories that you got through the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Response options	iSay results
Under £50	29%
£51 to £100	16%
£101 to £200	16%
£201 to £400	11%
£401 to 600	10%
£601 to £800	4%
Over £800	12%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	1%
Mean	269.09

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and got cycling equipment or accessories using the Cycle to Work Scheme (513).

11. Did you own or have use of a bicycle before using the Cycle to Work Scheme [for the first time]?

Response options	iSay results
Yes	69%
No	30%
Don’t know	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

12. Did you cycle to work before using the Cycle to Work scheme [for the first time]? This could be the complete journey to work or to a train or bus station for you to complete your journey.

Response options	iSay results
Yes, I cycled all the way to work from my home	64%
Yes, I cycled part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport	18%
No	17%
Don’t know	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and owned or had access to a bike before using the scheme (547).

13. Before using the Cycle to Work Scheme about how many of your journeys to work did you cycle?

Response options	iSay results
Every time I went to work	33%
Most times I went to work, for example 3 to 4 times a week (or the equivalent)	45%
Regularly but infrequently, for example once a week (or the equivalent)	15%
Occasionally, for example once a fortnight or less often (or the equivalent)	7%
Other (please specify)	0%
Don’t know	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycled to work before joining the scheme (478).

14. Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, about how much of your commute do you cycle? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently.

Response options	iSay results
I cycle all the way to and from my home and work	56%
I cycle part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport	29%
None of my commute, I don’t use the bike from the Cycle to Work Scheme for commuting	14%
Don’t know	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

15. Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, about what proportion of your journeys to work do you cycle?

Response options	iSay results
Every time I go to work	28%
Most times I go to work, for example 3 to 4 times a week (or the equivalent)	40%
Regularly but infrequently, for example once a week (or the equivalent)	20%
Occasionally, for example once a fortnight or less often (or the equivalent)	11%
Other (please specify)	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycle all or part of the way to work since using the scheme (647).

16. Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, would you say that you commute using the following modes of transport more, less or about the same as before?

	Bus or coach	Train or tram or tube	Personal car or taxi	Car share	Walking	Cycling
Much more	12%	12%	12%	11%	16%	32%
A little more	13%	13%	12%	12%	14%	21%
About the same	19%	26%	23%	19%	25%	20%
A little less	12%	9%	23%	11%	11%	7%
Much less	15%	13%	16%	14%	13%	7%
Do not use any more	5%	5%	4%	5%	5%	4%
Not applicable as I did not use this type of transport before the cycle to work scheme	22%	21%	9%	26%	15%	10%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	2%	1%	1%	1%	1%	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

17. If you had not used the Cycle to Work Scheme, how would you travel to work?

Response options	iSay results
Personal car or taxi	48%
Walking	35%
Cycling	31%
Bus or coach	28%
Train, tram or tube	26%
Car share	26%
Other (please specify)	1%
Don’t know	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and cycle all or part of the way to work since using the scheme (647).

18. Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, would you say that outside of your commute you cycle more, less, or about the same as before?

Response options	iSay results
Much more	34%
A little more	30%
About the same	21%
A little less	9%
Much less	6%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	0%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and owned or had access to a bicycle before using the scheme (547).

19. And what was the main reason you decided to use the Cycle to Work Scheme?

Response options	iSay results
To save money on the cost of a new bike	41%
To spread out the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment, rather than paying for it all upfront	34%
To save money on the cost of new cycling equipment	23%
Another reason	1%
Don’t know or Can’t remember	2%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and decided to use the scheme (740).

20. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Summary table

	Using the Cycle to Work Scheme has encouraged me to cycle to work more often	Using the Cycle to Work Scheme has encouraged me to cycle more generally, outside of my commute	I would cycle to work if I had not been able to use the Cycle to Work scheme
Strongly agree	46%	47%	33%
Somewhat agree	29%	32%	24%
Neither agree nor disagree	15%	12%	16%
Somewhat disagree	5%	5%	14%
Strongly disagree	4%	4%	13%
Don’t know	1%	0%	1%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

21. If this scheme existed and you needed or wanted a new bike, would you use it?

Hypothetical scenario 1

The government offers a scheme to save people money on a bike and cycling equipment. Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment of £200, to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle and equipment to commute to work. This saves you money on a bike you purchase yourself.

Would you use this scheme if it existed?	iSay results
Yes, definitely	43%
Yes, probably	37%
No, probably not	13%
No, definitely not	4%
Don’t know	3%

Hypothetical scenario 2

The government gives you a voucher to be used in bike shops or online, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme, instead of it being deducted from your salary each month. This saves you money on a bike you purchase yourself.

Would you use this scheme if it existed?	iSay results
Yes, definitely	43%
Yes, probably	37%
No, probably not	13%
No, definitely not	4%
Don’t know	3%

Hypothetical scenario 3

Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. This payment is an interest-free loan which you pay back monthly over 18 to 24 months (depending on your preference). This spreads out the cost for the bike over 18 to 24 months.

Would you use this scheme if it existed?	iSay results
Yes, definitely	45%
Yes, probably	39%
No, probably not	13%
No, definitely not	4%
Don’t know	4%

Hypothetical scenario 4

Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. Part of this payment is an interest-free loan which is paid back monthly over 18 to 24 months (length of repayment period depends on your preference). The other part of this payment is a grant, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. This saves you money on a bicycle you purchase yourself and spreads the remaining cost of the bicycle over 18 to 24 months.

Would you use this scheme if it existed?	iSay results
Yes, definitely	46%
Yes, probably	38%
No, probably not	10%
No, definitely not	2%
Don’t know	3%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

22. Do you intend to continue to cycle to work using the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme in the next 6 months?

Response options	iSay results
Yes, definitely	50%
Yes, probably	31%
No, probably not	10%
No, definitely not	6%
Don’t know	3%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

23. Why don’t you intend to cycle to work?

Response options	iSay results
No suitable routes (for example, roads are not cycle friendly)	32%
Journey is too long	32%
Poor weather	21%
No changing facilities at work	18%
Need to pick child up from school or nursery on my way home	17%
It is too tiring	17%
I don’t feel confident or safe cycling on public roads	15%
Cycling is inconvenient or public transport is more straightforward	8%
Prefer to do other activities (for example, read, listen to music or podcast) on my commute	7%
Maintenance costs too expensive	6%
Other (please specify)	20%
Don’t know	3%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years and do not intend to continue using the bike they got through the scheme (95).

24. Which, if any, of the following factors would encourage you to [cycle to work more often] [continue cycling to work]?

Response options	iSay results
Better or more cycle paths and lanes	46%
Feel safer while cycling on the roads	44%
More places to safely store my bicycle while at work	36%
Incentives from my employer	35%
Better changing or showering facilities at work	35%
Training or cycling support to help me feel more confident	27%
Other (please specify)	2%
Nothing, I already cycle to work as much as I can or want to	5%
Don’t know	3%

Unweighted base: All who have used the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years (740).

11. Appendix 2: Questionnaire script

We’d now like to ask you some questions about the UK government’s Cycle to Work scheme, on behalf of HMRC.

Awareness and use of the Cycle to Work Scheme

Ask all. Single code. B4c. Cycleown: Do you personally own or have use of a bike? Please select one option only.

1. I own or have access to a bike for my sole use
2. I do not personally own a bike but have use of a privately owned bike
3. I do not personally own a bike but use a public bike (for example, a Santander bike, Hourbike, Nextbike)
4. no – I do not own or have access to a bike
5. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. B4d. Commuter: Do you ever cycle to work? This could be to complete a journey to work or to a train or bus station for you to complete your journey. Please select one option only.

1. yes – if cycling, I cycle all the way to work from my home
2. yes – if cycling, I cycle part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport
3. no – I commute another way
4. no – I work from home full-time
5. don’t know

Ask all who cycle to work part or all of the way (B4d = 1 or 2). Single code. B4f. Commuter2: In the past month, when you have commuted to your place of work, what proportion of journeys have you cycled? Please select one option only.

1. every time I have been to work
2. most times I have been to work, for example 3 to 4 times a week (or the equivalent)
3. regularly but infrequently, for example once a week (or the equivalent)
4. occasionally, for example once a fortnight or less often (or the equivalent)
5. other (please specify)
6. don’t know
7. prefer not to say

Ask all who own or have access to a bike but do not currently cycle to work (B4c = 1, 2 or 3, and B4d = 3 or 4). Multiple code. B4e. Motivatenoncyclist: Which, if any, of the following would encourage you to start cycling to work? Please select all that apply.

1. better or more cycle paths and lanes
2. more places to safely store my bicycle while at work
3. better changing or showering facilities at work
4. feel safer while cycling on the roads
5. training or cycling support to help me feel more confident
6. more affordable bicycles suitable for commuting
7. other (please specify) (fix)
8. none of these (fix) (exclusive)
9. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all who own or have access to a bike and cycle to work (B4c = 1, 2 or 3, and B4d = 1 or 2). Multiple code. E1. Motivationstocycle: Why did you decide to cycle to work? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 6. Multicode 1 to 7.

1. exercise
2. environmental benefits
3. it is faster than taking public transport
4. to save money/it is cheaper than other forms of transport
5. cycling is the only option
6. so I could cycle to work with someone else
7. other (please specify) (fix)
8. don’t know or can’t remember (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all who own or have access to a bike and cycle to work (B4c = 1, 2 or 3, and B4d = 1 or 2). Multiple code. E2_a: Which, if any, of the following challenges do you experience when cycling to work? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 10. Multicode 1 to 11.

1. too much traffic on the roads
2. feeling unsafe on the roads or bad drivers
3. lack of cycle lanes
4. bicycle or bicycle equipment does not work properly
5. theft of bicycle or bicycle equipment
6. bad weather
7. I am not confident in my cycling skills
8. I have too much to carry
9. it’s too hilly in my area
10. the distance between my home and my work
11. other (please specify) (fix)
12. none (fix) (exclusive)
13. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all. Single code. B4a. Awarectws: The UK Government offers a Cycle to Work Scheme through which employers can provide eligible employees with use of a bicycle. The most common way in which employers offer the scheme is for employees to choose a bike, which the employer buys on their behalf and leases back to the employee. The employee pays the hire fees out of their pre-tax salary, meaning they do not pay tax on the value of the bicycle or equipment. After the initial hire period and making payments towards it, the employee is given the option of paying the remaining market value of the bike to own it, continuing to lease it (for no additional charge) or returning the bike to their employer. Before today had you heard of this scheme? Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no (close those not aware of the scheme)
3. don’t know (close those not aware of the scheme)

Ask all aware of the scheme (B4a = 1). Multiple code. B4b. Whereknowledge: Where did you hear about the Cycle to Work Scheme? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 8. Multicode 1 to 9.

1. from my employer
2. from a colleague
3. from a friend or family member
4. from search engines or web searches
5. radio advert
6. email or direct marketing
7. media or TV or news
8. social networks (for example, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
9. bike shop
10. from a different source (please specify) (fix)
11. don’t know or Can’t remember (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all. Single code. B5. Everusectws: Have you ever used the Cycle to Work Scheme? Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no
3. don’t know (thank and close)

Ask all who have never used the Cycle to Work Scheme (B5 Everusectws = Code 2). Multiple code. B6. Nonuser1: Why haven’t you used the Cycle to Work Scheme? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 17. Multicode 1 to 18.

1. my employer does not offer the scheme
2. the scheme is too complicated
3. I don’t understand the scheme
4. I don’t want to have deductions made from my salary
5. I already own a bicycle
6. I already own cycling equipment
7. I am not interested in cycling to work
8. I do not need to cycle to work
9. there is too much traffic on the roads
10. I feel unsafe cycling on the roads / there are bad drivers
11. too few cycle lanes
12. I am worried about my bicycle or equipment getting stolen
13. the weather is too bad to cycle
14. I am not confident in my cycling skills
15. I have too much to carry
16. my journey is too long
17. it’s too hilly in my area
18. other (please specify) (fix)
19. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Close those who have not used the Cycle to Work Scheme (B5 = 2).

Ask all. Single code. B7. Useofctws: Have you made a payment towards a bicycle or equipment you got through the Cycle to Work Scheme in the past 5 years? In other words, have you had a payment for a bicycle or equipment deducted from your salary since June 2017. Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no
3. don’t know

Ask all who have used the scheme in past 5 years (B7 = 1). Single code. B8. Freqctws: How many times have you used the Cycle to Work Scheme to access a new bicycle in the past 5 years? Please select the number of times you have used the scheme.

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Single code. B7a. Yearusectws. If used scheme more than once (B5 = 1 and B8 = 2 to 5): Thinking about the most recent time you used the scheme, when was the first payment deducted from your salary? Ask all who have used the scheme once (B5 = 1 and B8 = 1): When was the first payment deducted from your salary? Please select one option only.

1. 2022
2. 2021
3. 2020
4. 2019
5. 2018
6. 2017
7. don’t know
8. can’t remember

Ask all who have used scheme more than once (B8 = 2 to 5). Multiple code. B8b. Freqctws3: Why have you used the Cycle to Work Scheme more than once in the past 5 years? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 4. Multicode 1 to 5.

1. my first bicycle broke
2. I use different bicycles for different types of road or journeys
3. I enjoy using different bicycles
4. decided to change or upgrade my bike
5. other (please specify) (fix)
6. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all who have used the scheme in past 5 years (B7 = 1). Single code. B9. Endoflease: Which, if any, of the following do you plan on doing when you reach the end of the Cycle to Work Scheme? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently. Please select one option only.

Randomise 1 to 3.

1. give the bicycle and or equipment back
2. buy the bicycle or equipment from my employer
3. continue leasing from employer for no additional fee
4. other (please specify) (fix)
5. none of these (fix)
6. don’t know (fix)

Value of bicycles and cycle related equipment obtained through the Cycle to Work Scheme

Show to all: The questions which follow are about the value of the bicycle and cycling equipment you accessed through the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Where questions refer to ‘getting a bike’ through the scheme, this refers to being provided with access to and use of a bike through the scheme.

Ask all. C1. Repayments: Firstly, what was the retail price of the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently. Please type your answer in the box below.

1. open text box: enter amount in pounds
2. don’t know or can’t remember

Ask all who entered amount greater than £2,000 at C1 (C1 = >£2,000). C1 Check: The retail price of the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme was [insert amount entered at C1]. Is that correct?

1. yes
2. no - you will be taken back to change your answer (return to C1)

Ask all who don’t know the cost of the bicycle they were provided with if they were to buy it new (C1 = 2). Single code. C1a. Repaymentbands: What was the retail price of the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently. If you can’t remember please make your best estimate. Please select one option only.

1. under £200
2. £201 to £400
3. £401 to £600
4. £601 to £800
5. £801 to £1,000
6. £1,001 to £1,200
7. £1,201 to £1,400
8. £1,401 to £1,600
9. £1,601 to £1,800
10. £1,801 to £2,000
11. over £2,000
12. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. C2. Otherpurchases: Did you get any other cycling equipment or accessories using the Cycle to Work Scheme at this time? Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no
3. don’t know or can’t remember

Ask all who have purchased any other bicycle related equipment or accessories (C2 = 1). Multiple code. C2_a. Otherequipaccessories: What other bicycle related equipment or accessories did you get through the scheme? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 13. Multicode 1 to 14.

1. cycling clothing
2. tyres
3. components, such as groupsets, brake levers
4. helmet
5. mudguards
6. lock
7. lights
8. frames
9. child seats
10. bags (on-bike and off-bike)
11. cycle trailers
12. e-bike conversion kit
13. bike pump
14. other (please specify) (fix)
15. don’t know or can’t remember (fix) (exclusive)

Ask all who have purchased any other bicycle related equipment or accessories (C2 = 1). C2_b. Costequipaccessories: What was the total retail price of the cycling equipment or accessories that you got through the Cycle to Work Scheme? Please type your answer in the box below.

1. open text box: enter amount in pounds
2. don’t know or can’t remember

Ask all who entered amount greater than £800 at C2_b (C2_b = Code 1 >£800). C2_b_Check: The retail price of the cycling equipment you got through the Cycle to Work scheme was [insert amount entered at C2_b]. Is that correct?

1. yes
2. no - you will be taken back to change your answer (return to question C2_b)

Ask all who don’t know the cost of equipment or accessories at C2_b (C2_b = 2). Single code. C2c. Accrepayband: What was the total retail price of the cycling equipment or accessories that you got through the Cycle to Work Scheme? If you can’t remember please make your best estimate. Please select one option only.

1. under £50
2. £51 to £100
3. £101 to £200
4. £201 to £400
5. £401 to 600
6. £601 to £800
7. over £800
8. don’t know or can’t remember

Impact of the scheme on commuting behaviour

Show to all: The next few questions ask you about your cycling activity before and since using the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Where questions refer to ‘getting’ a bike or accessories through the scheme, this refers to being provided with access to and use of a bike through the scheme.

Ask all. Single code. D1. Bikeownbeforectws: Did you own or have use of a bicycle before using the Cycle to Work Scheme [if used scheme more than once (B8 = 2 to 5): for the first time]? Please do not include public bike hire schemes. Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no
3. don’t know

Ask all who said that they owned a bicycle before the Cycle to Work Scheme (D1 = 1). Single code. D2. Owncyclecommute: Did you cycle to work before using the Cycle to Work scheme [if used scheme more than once (B8 = 2 to 5): for the first time]? This could be the complete journey to work or to a train or bus station for you to complete your journey. Please select one option only.

1. yes – I cycled all the way to work from my home
2. yes – I cycled part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport
3. no
4. don’t know

Ask all who cycled to work using a bicycle they owned before joining the cycle to work scheme (D2 = 1 or 2). Single code. D3. Freqowncycle: Before using the Cycle to Work Scheme about how many of your journeys to work did you cycle? Please select one option only.

1. every time I went to work
2. most times I went to work, for example 3 to 4 times a week (or the equivalent)
3. regularly but infrequently, for example once a week (or the equivalent)
4. occasionally, for example once a fortnight or less often (or the equivalent)
5. other (please specify)
6. don’t know

Ask all who cycled to work using a bicycle they owned before joining the cycle to work scheme (D2 = 1 or 2). Single code. D3a. Behchange: Has using the Cycle to Work scheme had any impact on how much of your commute you cycle, or how regularly you commute by bike? If your commuting patterns have changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, please think about the proportion of journeys you make by bike.  Please select one option only.

1. yes – using the Cycle to Work Scheme has changed how I commute
2. no – using the Cycle to Work Scheme has not changed how I commute
3. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. D3b: Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, about how much of your commute do you cycle? If you have had more than one bike through the scheme in the past 5 years, please answer based on the bike you got most recently. Please select one option only.

1. I cycle all the way to and from my home and work
2. I cycle part of the way to work and complete my journey using another form of transport
3. none of my commute – I don’t use the bike from the Cycle to Work Scheme for commuting
4. don’t know

Ask all who cycle all or part of the way to work since using scheme (D3b = 1 or 2). Single code. D5. Freqsinceusing: Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, about what proportion of your journeys to work do you cycle? Please select one option only.

1. every time I go to work
2. most times I go to work, for example 3 to 4 times a week (or the equivalent)
3. regularly but infrequently, for example once a week (or the equivalent)
4. occasionally, for example once a fortnight or less often (or the equivalent)
5. other (please specify)
6. don’t know

Ask all who cycle all or part of the way to work since using scheme (D3b = 1 or 2). Single code. D6. Commute3: How long does it take you to commute to work when you use your bike (whether for all or part of the journey)? Please select one option only.

1. under 15 minutes
2. between 15 and 30 minutes
3. between 31 and 60 minutes
4. between 61 and 90 minutes
5. between 91 to 120 minutes
6. more than 2 hours
7. don’t know

Ask all who cycle part of the way to work since using scheme (D3b = 2). Single code. D7. Proportion_cycling: And how much of your commute do you spend cycling? Please select one option only.

1. under 15 minutes
2. between 15 and 30 minutes
3. between 31 and 60 minutes
4. between 61 and 90 minutes
5. between 91 to 120 minutes
6. more than 2 hours
7. don’t know

Ask all. Loop single code per statement. D8. Commutbeh: Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, would you say that you commute using the following modes of transport more, less or about the same as before? Please select one option only.

Randomise transport options.

• bus or coach
• train, tram or tube
• personal car and taxi
• car share
• walking
• cycling

Reverse scale 1 to 5 for half of respondents.

1. much more
2. a little more
3. about the same
4. a little less
5. much less
6. do not use any more
7. not applicable – I did not use this type of transport before the cycle to work scheme (fix)
8. don’t know or can’t remember (fix)

Ask all who cycle all or part of the way to work since using scheme (D3b = 1 or 2). Multiple code. D9. Travelwithoutctw: If you had not used the Cycle to Work Scheme, how would you travel to work? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 7.

1. cycling
2. bus/coach
3. train/tram/tube
4. personal car/taxi
5. car share
6. walking
7. other (please specify) (fix)
8. don’t know (exclusive) (fix)

Ask all who owned a bicycle before (D1 = 1). Single code. D10. Distancecycled: Since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, would you say that - outside of your commute - you cycle more, less, or about the same as before? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. much more
2. a little more
3. about the same
4. a little less
5. much less
6. don’t know or can’t remember (fix)

Ask all who owned a bicycle before (D1 = 1). Single code. D11. Covidcycling3: Thinking back to before the Covid-19 pandemic, that is before March 2020. Would you say you now cycle more, less or about the same? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. much more
2. a little more
3. about the same
4. a little less
5. much less
6. don’t know (fix)

Motivations and obstacles for using the Cycle to Work Scheme

Show to all: These next few questions are about why you used the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Where questions refer to ‘getting’ a bike or accessories through the scheme, this refers to being provided with access to and use of a bike through the scheme.

Ask all. Multiple code. E2. Motivations to use scheme: Why did you decide to use the Cycle to Work Scheme to get a new bike? Please select all that apply.

Randomise 1 to 3. Multicode 1 to 4.

1. to save money on the cost of a new bike
2. to save money on the cost of new cycling equipment
3. to spread out the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment, rather than paying for it all upfront
4. another reason (please specify)
5. don’t know or can’t remember (exclusive) (fix)

Ask all who select more than one reason for using the scheme at E2. Single code. E2 = codes 1 to 4, >=2 mentions. E3. Main reason: And what was the main reason you decided to use the Cycle to Work Scheme? Please select one option only.

Only show codes 1 to 4 selected at E2.

1. to save money on the cost of a new bike
2. to save money on the cost of new cycling equipment
3. to spread out the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment, rather than paying for it all upfront
4. another reason (please specify)
5. don’t know or can’t remember

Ask all. Single code. Loop single code per statement. E4. Encouragement: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Please select one option only.

Randomise 1 to 3.

1. using the Cycle to Work Scheme has encouraged me to cycle to work more often
2. using the Cycle to Work Scheme has encouraged me to cycle more generally, outside of my commute
3. I would cycle to work if I had not been able to use the Cycle to Work scheme

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

• strongly agree
• somewhat agree
• neither agree nor disagree
• somewhat disagree
• strongly disagree
• don’t know (fix)

Appropriateness of the Cycle to Work Scheme

Show to all: The Cycle to Work Scheme allows you to get a bike (and accessories) through a salary sacrifice arrangement with your employer. This means that your employer deducts the cost of your bike from your monthly salary before tax.

In addition to getting a bike, this arrangement means that you have less taxable salary, and therefore pay less tax, saving you money on the value of the bike.

We would now like to ask you about some hypothetical scenarios to help understand the value of the Cycle to Work Scheme. The cycling schemes which follow do not exist.

Randomise order F1 to F4 are shown in.

Ask all. Single code. F1. Hypothetical_a: The government offers a scheme to save people money on a bike and cycling equipment. Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment of £200, to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle and equipment to commute to work. This saves you money on a bike you purchase yourself. If this scheme existed and you needed/wanted a new bike, would you use it? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. yes, definitely
2. yes, probably
3. no, probably not
4. no, definitely not
5. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. F2. Hypothetical_b: The government gives you a voucher to be used in bike shops or online, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme, instead of it being deducted from your salary each month. This saves you money on a bike you purchase yourself. If this scheme existed and you needed or wanted a new bike, would you use it? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. yes, definitely
2. yes, probably
3. no, probably not
4. no, definitely not
5. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. F3. Hypothetical_c: Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. This payment is an interest-free loan which you pay back monthly over 18 to 24 months (depending on your preference). This spreads out the cost for the bike over 18 to 24 months. If this scheme existed and you needed/wanted a new bike, would you use it? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. yes, definitely
2. yes, probably
3. no, probably not
4. no, definitely not
5. don’t know

Ask all. Single code. F4. Hypothetical_d: Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. Part of this payment is an interest-free loan which is paid back monthly over 18 to 24 months (length of repayment period depends on your preference). The other part of this payment is a grant, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. This saves you money on a bicycle you purchase yourself and spreads the remaining cost of the bicycle over 18 to 24 months. If this scheme existed and you needed/wanted a new bike, would you use it? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale for half of respondents.

1. yes, definitely
2. yes, probably
3. no, probably not
4. no, definitely not
5. don’t know

Ask all. Rank order. Randomise answer codes but fix scheme 1 at the top. F5. Schemepref: Please put each scheme in the order you would be likely to use them:

1. current scheme – the value of the bike is deducted from your salary and you lease the bike through salary sacrifice
2. the government gives you £200, to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle and equipment to commute to work
3. the government gives you a voucher to be used in bike shops or online, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme, instead of it being deducted from your salary each month.
4. the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the cost of a new bike, part of which is a grant (does not have to be repaid) and part of which is an interest-free loan
5. the government gives you an interest-free loan to cover the cost of a new bike
6. would not use any of these (fix) (exclusive)
7. don’t know

Future plans

Show to all: The next few questions will ask you about your future plans for using the bicycle you acquired through the Cycle to Work Scheme.

Ask all. Single code. G1. Futureintentions: Do you intend to continue to cycle to work using the bike you got through the Cycle to Work scheme in the next 6 months? Please select one option only.

Reverse scale 1 to 4 for half of respondents.

1. yes, definitely
2. yes, probably
3. no, probably not
4. no, definitely not
5. don’t know (fix)

Ask if does not intend to continue using (G1 = 3 or 4). Multiple code. G2. Reasonsagainstctw. Why don’t you intend to cycle to work? Please select all that apply.

Multicode 1 to 11. Randomise 1 to 10.

1. maintenance costs too expensive
2. no suitable routes (for example, roads are not cycle friendly)
3. I don’t feel confident or safe cycling on public roads
4. cycling is inconvenient/public transport is more straightforward
5. it is too tiring
6. journey is too long
7. no changing facilities at work
8. poor weather
9. prefer to do other activities (for example, read, listen to music/podcast) on my commute
10. need to pick child up from school/nursery on my way home
11. other (please specify) (fix)
12. don’t know (fix) (inclusive)

Ask all. Multiple code. G3. Supportneeds. Which, if any, of the following factors would encourage you to [G1 = 1 or 2: cycle to work more often] [G1 = 3 or 4: continue cycling to work]? Please select all that apply.

Multicode 1 to 7. Randomise 1 to 6.

1. better or more cycle paths and lanes
2. more places to safely store my bicycle while at work
3. better changing or showering facilities at work
4. feel safer while cycling on the roads
5. training or cycling support to help me feel more confident
6. incentives from my employer
7. other (please specify) (fix)
8. nothing, I already cycle to work as much as I can or want to (fix) (exclusive)
9. don’t know (fix) (exclusive)

Demographics

Ask all. H1. Dob: What is your date of birth?

1. enter date of birth (please specify)
2. prefer not to say

Validate date of birth:

• do not allow non-existing dates
• do not allow year to be lower than 1900
• if younger than 16, prompt “is this your date of birth (repeat what they have provided)?” If yes, show “only persons aged 16 and above are eligible to join the panel. Thank you for your time” and close. If no, ask them to correct.

Ask all. Single code. H2. Gender: Which of the following describes how you think of yourself?

1. male
2. female
3. in another way
4. prefer not to say

Ask all. Single code. H3. Ethnicity: Which one of the following best describes your ethnic group or background?

Randomise blocks. Collapsible blocks.

1. White: English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, British
2. White: Irish
3. White: Gypsy or Irish Traveller
4. any other White background
5. Mixed or multiple ethnic groups: White and Black Caribbean
6. Mixed or multiple ethnic groups: White and Black African
7. Mixed or multiple ethnic groups: White and Asian
8. any other Mixed or Multiple ethnic background
9. Asian or Asian British: Indian
10. Asian or Asian British: Pakistani
11. Asian or Asian British: Bangladeshi
12. Asian or Asian British: Chinese
13. any other Asian background
14. Black, African, Caribbean, Black British: African
15. Black, African, Caribbean, Black British: Caribbean
16. any other Black, African, Caribbean background
17. other ethnic group: Arab
18. any other ethnic group
19. don’t know (black font)
20. prefer not to say (black font)

Ask all. Single code. H4. Employmentstatus: What is your current working status? If you are temporarily away from your job because you are on holiday, on short-term sick leave, on maternity/paternity/parental leave, on furlough etc, please answer about the job from which you are on leave.

1. working full-time (30 or more hours)
2. working part-time (8 to 29 hours)
3. unemployed – less than 12 months
4. unemployed (long term) – more than 12 months
5. not working – retired
6. not working – looking after house or children
7. not working – long term sick or disabled
8. student – in full-time education studying for a recognised qualification
9. student – in part-time education studying for a recognised qualification
10. other
11. prefer not to say

Ask if working full time, part time, retired (H4 = 1, 2, 5, 11). Single code. H5. Empcontract: [If H4 = 1 or 2: Are] [If H4 = <> 1 or 2: Were] you working as an employee or are/were you self-employed? If you are not currently working please think about this in relation to your last main job.

1. employed
2. self-Employed
3. prefer not to say 

Ask if working or retired or ever worked (H4 = 1, 2 or 5). Single code. H6. Sortemployment: Please select the option which best describes the sort of work that you [If H4 = 1 or 2: do] [If H4 <> 1: did]. If you are not currently working please think about this in relation to your last main job

1. modern professional occupations such as: teacher, nurse, physiotherapist, social worker, welfare officer, artist, musician, police officer (sergeant or above), software designer
2. clerical and intermediate occupations such as: secretary, personal assistant, clerical worker, office clerk, call centre agent, nursing auxiliary, nursery nurse
3. senior managers or administrators (usually responsible for planning, organising and co-ordinating work, and for finance) such as: finance manager, chief executive
4. technical and craft occupations such as: motor mechanic, fitter, inspector, plumber, printer, tool maker, electrician, gardener, train driver
5. semi-routine manual and service occupations such as: postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, catering assistant, receptionist, sales assistant
6. routine manual and service occupations such as: HGV driver, van driver, cleaner, porter, packer, sewing machinist, messenger, labourer, waiter or waitress, bar staff
7. middle or junior managers such as: office manager, retail manager, bank manager, restaurant manager, warehouse manager, publican
8. traditional professional occupations such as: accountant, solicitor, medical practitioner, scientist, civil or mechanical engineer
9. prefer not to say

Ask all who are working and not self-employed (H4 = 1 or 2 and H5 = 1). Single code. H7. Paye: Is your pay from work taxed through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system, that is before your salary is paid to you? Please select one option only.

1. yes
2. no
3. prefer not to say

Ask all. Single code. H8_a: Thinking about the total income of your household as a whole from all sources before tax, including benefits, savings and so on, which of the following do you know best?

1. your household’s weekly income
2. your household’s monthly income
3. your household’s annual income
4. don’t know
5. prefer not to say

Ask all. Single code. H8: What is the total income of your household as a whole (earned by all members of your household), per year, month or week from all sources before tax, including benefits, savings and so on? All the data you provide continues to be anonymous and will not be shared with anyone in a way that can identify you.

Show one set of codes based on answer to H8_a.

Weekly

1. up to £49
2. £50 up to £99
3. £100 up to £199
4. £200 up to £299
5. £300 up to £399
6. £400 up to £499
7. £500 up to £599
8. £600 up to £699
9. £700 up to £799
10. £800 up to £899
11. £900 up to £999
12. £1000 up to £1,439
13. £1,440 up to £1,899
14. £1,900 up to £2,899
15. £2,900 or more
16. don’t know
17. prefer not to say

Monthly

1. up to £216
2. £217 up to £432
3. £433 up to £866
4. £867 up to £1,299
5. £1,300 up to £1,732
6. £1,733 up to £2,166
7. £2,167 up to £2,599
8. £2,600 up to £3,032
9. £3,033 up to £3,466
10. £3,467 up to £3,899
11. £3,900 up to £4,332
12. £4,333 up to £6,249
13. £6,250 up to £8,299
14. £8,300 up to £12,499
15. £12,500 or more
16. don’t know
17. prefer not to say

Annual

1. up to £2,599
2. £2,600 up to £5,199
3. £5,200 up to £10,399
4. £10,400 up to £15,59
5. £15,600 up to £20,799
6. £20,800 up to £25,999
7. £26,000 up to £31,199
8. £31,200 up to £36,399
9. £36,400 up to £41,599
10. £41,600 up to £46,799
11. £46,800 up to £51,999
12. £52,000 up to £74,999
13. £75,000 up to £99,999
14. £100,000 up to £149,999
15. £150,000 or more
16. don’t know
17. prefer not to say

Ask all. Single code. H9. Urbanrural: Which of these best describes the type of area you live in? Please select one option only.

1. in a rural area (countryside, small town or village)
2. in, or right outside, a small city
3. in, or right outside, a medium-sized city
4. in the suburbs of a large city
5. in a large city
6. none of these (fix)
7. don’t know (fix)

Ask all. Single code. R27: What is your personal income per year, month or week from all sources before tax, including benefits, savings and so on? All the data you provide continues to be anonymous and will not be shared with anyone in a way that can identify you.

Weekly

1. up to £245
2. £246 up to £332
3. £333 up to £538
4. £539 up to £750
5. £751 up to £961
6. £962 up to £1,439
7. £1,440 up to £1,899
8. £1,900 up to £2,899
9. £2,900 or more
10. don’t know
11. prefer not to say

Monthly

1. up to £245
2. £246 up to £1,440
3. £1,441 up to £2,333
4. £2,334 up to £3,249
5. £3,250 up to £4,166
6. £4,167 up to £6,249
7. £6,250 up to £8,299
8. £8,300 up to £12,499
9. £12,500 or more
10. don’t know
11. prefer not to say

Annual

1. up to £12,570
2. £12,571 up to £17,290
3. £17,291 up to £27,999
4. £28,000 up to £38,999
5. £39,000 up to £49,999
6. £50,000 up to £74,999
7. £75,000 up to £99,999           
8. £100,000 up to £149,999
9. £150,000 or more 
10. don’t know
11. prefer not to say

12. Appendix 3: Topic guides

12.1 Topic guide for users of the Cycle to Work Scheme

Introduction (5 minutes)

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this interview. (Interviewer to introduce themselves).

We are interested in speaking with you because you are a user of the government’s Cycle to Work Scheme. The research is being conducted by Ipsos on behalf of HMRC, to understand people’s experiences of using the scheme.

Ipsos is an independent research organisation (independent of government), we adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct.

There are no right or wrong answers, we are just interested in hearing about your views and experiences.

We will combine the information you share today with information from other people who use the scheme, people who do not use the scheme, employers who offer the scheme, and employers who do not offer the scheme. We will turn it into a report which will be sent to HMRC. As part of the report, we might use quotes from our discussion today, but if we do, we will not use your name or other information about you. Other than the research team at Ipsos, no-one will be able to identify you in the report or know what you have said.

The interview is expected to last approximately 60 minutes and it is up to you if you want to take part. If you do decide to take part, you do not need to answer any questions you do not want to, and you can stop the interview at any time. You can also change your mind and withdraw your consent later before the data has been analysed. At this point it will have been combined with the other responses, so it will not be possible to identify and remove your answers.

Do you have any questions? Are you happy to proceed with the interview?

If yes, can you confirm if you would be happy for me to audio record our discussion today? This will be used by the research team to ensure we have written up our discussion accurately. The audio file will be destroyed later in the project and will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team.

In accordance with GDPR legislation, the interview documentation, recording and notes will be securely deleted 2 months after project completion and HMRC sign-off of all reporting outputs and milestones (January 2023).

Background and personal context (5 minutes)

Please can you tell me about yourself:

• where you do you live?
• does anyone else you live with you (such as friends or family)?
• where do you work? How long you have been in this job? How far away it is from your home?
• what are your hobbies or interests?
• what is an interesting or important thing or piece of information you’ve heard in the past few days?

Experiences of using the Cycle to Work Scheme (10 minutes)

Explore all uses of the scheme fully for those who have used it multiple times and any differences between these.

How many times have you used the scheme?

• when was this?
• all with the same employer or different employers?

What type of bike did you access through the scheme?

• what was its value?
• how did you choose which bike to get?
• why did you choose this one?
• what factors influenced your decision?

What role, if any, did your employer play in this?

• what options were available to you through your employer or the scheme provider?
• what impact did this have on the bike you chose?

What has using the scheme been like?

• how did you sign up to and access a bike through the scheme?
• how easy or difficult was this?
• any challenges or issues?
• how did this fit with your expectations of what using the scheme would be like? Probe on: availability of bikes, choice of bikes and equipment
• how could the scheme be made easier to use, in your opinion?
• what is your understanding of what happens to the bike after you make the initial payments?

How did you first hear about the Cycle to Work scheme?

• what were your first impressions?
• do you know anyone else who has used the scheme?
• what do they say about it?
• were you thinking of or were you going to buy a bike anyway before you heard of the scheme?

Why did you decide to use the scheme? Probe: to save money on the cost of a new bike or new cycling equipment, to spread out the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment, rather than paying for it all upfront, for example.

For repeat users: why have you used the scheme more than once or multiple times?

• probe on all to explore any differences, for example to upgrade their bike, their first bike got stolen, they want more than one bike for different journeys or roads.
• if anyone says they use the scheme to make a profit by selling on their bike at end of scheme, ask why they do this

What was the most important reason why you used the scheme?

• how long passed between thinking you would use the scheme and actually signing up?
• would you use the scheme again? Why or why not?
• how would you describe the scheme to a friend or colleague who didn’t know about it?
• would you recommend them to use it?

What would you have done if the scheme didn’t exist? Probe: would you have bought a bike, for example, the same one or a different one to the one you got through the scheme?

What do you plan on doing at the end of the scheme? Probe: give the bike or equipment back, buy the bike or equipment from employer or continue leasing from employer?

Cycling behaviour (5 minutes)

How much were you cycling before you used the Cycle to Work scheme?

• did you have a bike of your own or that you could access?
• what did you use your bike for, for example leisure, commuting?
• about how much were you cycling for leisure and why was this?
• were you cycling to work?
• why were you cycling to work?
• why did you decide to cycle to work (before using the scheme)?
• have you had any support (formal or informal) with cycling, for example a commuting buddy, proficiency training?

What types of roads do you cycle on?

• probe: rural roads in the countryside, suburban roads in towns, busy city roads or a mixture?
• what impact do road conditions have on how often you cycle?
• what would encourage you to cycle more? Probe on: road maintenance or better maintained roads

Do any of your friends or family cycle or cycle to work?

How cycling behaviour has changed since using the scheme (5 minutes)

How do you use the bicycle you got through the scheme?

• do you use it?
• do you use it to cycle to work or for journeys outside of your commute to work or both?

How much do you cycle now?

• would you say this is more or less than before you used the scheme?
• if cycle for leisure, what types of ride you go on (to the shops, visit friends, go somewhere, just to go for a ride)?
• if cycle to work, how often? What has the impact of the pandemic been on your cycling behaviour?

If amount cycled has changed, why do you cycle more or less now than before you used the scheme? Probe on whether they cycle more or less now due to the scheme or other factors (for example, improvements in cycling infrastructure).

What impact has using the Cycle to Work Scheme had on how much you cycle?

• do you cycle to work more or less often?
• do you cycle generally outside of your commute more or less often?

What impact has using the scheme had on how you much you use other transport? * probe on: to work and for leisure * what types of transport do you use less? * do you use this other transport more or less because of the scheme or are there other reasons you now use it less?

If the Cycle to Work Scheme did not exist, would you still cycle to work?

And if the scheme did not exist, would you still cycle generally, outside of your commute?

Motivations and barriers to cycling (10 minutes)

Why do you ride a bike? If appropriate, why do you cycle to work?

What are the benefits of cycling, for you? Probe if cycling for both leisure and for work: how do the benefits of cycling differ between cycling generally and cycling to work?

What challenges or barriers do you experience when cycling to work?

• are there any other barriers you experience when you cycle for leisure?
• probe: traffic on the roads, feeling unsafe on the roads, lack of cycle lanes, theft of bicycle or equipment
• what impact do these challenges have on how often you cycle?
• have you sought to overcome these?
• how do you think they could be addressed?

Encouragement to cycle more and future intentions (5 minutes)

What are your plans for commuting and cycling to work in the next year or so? If not cycling, why not?

What, if anything, would encourage you to cycle more, overall?

• and specifically to work?
• probe: feeling safer on the roads, less theft of equipment, better cycling paths and lanes, more places to safely store your bicycle while at work, better changing and showering facilities while at work

Can you think of anything your employer could offer you that would encourage you to cycle to work more?

• probe: for example, better changing or showering facilities at work, more places to safely store bicycle while at work, flexible start times after cycling in
• if your employer offered you a free lunch once a week if you cycled in that day, would it encourage you?

Appropriateness of the scheme (10 to 15 minutes)

The most common way in which employers offer the scheme is for employees to choose a bike, which the employer provides to the employee. The employee pays the hire fees out of their pre-tax salary, meaning they do not pay tax on the value of the bicycle and/or equipment.

After the initial hire period and making payments towards it, the employee is given the option of paying the remaining market value of the bike to own it, continuing to lease it (for no additional charge) or returning the bike to their employer.

What would you say is the most appealing aspect of the Cycle to Work Scheme?

• probe: Why do you use it? For example, to save money on the cost of a new bike or cycling equipment, to spread the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment rather than pay all upfront
• why do you think that is the most appealing aspect of the scheme?
• what are the drawbacks, downsides or least appealing elements?

I now want to discuss some different, hypothetical (not real) ways in which a Cycle to Work scheme could be run. (Interviewer to rotate the order scenarios are considered in.)

Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment of £200 to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle and equipment to commute to work. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?

Instead of money being deducted from your salary each month, the government gives you a voucher to use in bike shops or online, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?

The government gives you an interest-free loan to cover the total cost of a new bike, which you pay back over 18 to 24 months. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?

Instead of your employer deducting the cost of a bike from your monthly salary, the government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. Part of this payment is an interest-free loan which is paid back monthly over 18 to 24 months (length of repayment period depends on your preference). The other part of this payment is a grant, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. This saves you money on a bicycle you purchase yourself and spreads the remaining cost of the bicycle over 18 to 24 months. If this scheme existed and you needed/wanted a new bike, would you use it?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Is there anything else that we haven’t discussed relating to your experience of the Cycle to Work Scheme that you would like to comment on and that you think would be relevant to our evaluation?

What advice would you give the government to encourage people to cycle to work more?

That’s all the questions I have – do you have any questions for me?

Thank you for taking part.

Also, just a reminder that the privacy notice explains the purpose for processing personal data as well as rights under data protection regulations to access personal data, withdraw consent, object to processing of personal data and other required information.

12.2 Topic guide for non-users of the Cycle to Work Scheme

Introduction (5 minutes)

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this interview. (Interviewer to introduce themselves).

We are interested in speaking with you because we understand you have not used the government’s cycle to work scheme. The research is being conducted by Ipsos on behalf of HMRC, to understand public opinion and usage of the scheme.

Ipsos is an independent research organisation (independent of government), we adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct.

There are no right or wrong answers, we are just interested in hearing about your views and experiences.

We will combine the information you share today with information from other people who use the scheme, people who do not use the scheme, employers who offer the scheme, and employers who do not offer the scheme. We will turn it into a report which will be sent to HMRC. As part of the report, we might use quotes from our discussion today, but if we do, we will not use your name or other information about you. Other than the research team at Ipsos, no-one will be able to identify you in the report or know what you have said.

The interview is expected to last approximately 60 minutes and it is up to you if you want to take part. If you do decide to take part, you do not need to answer any questions you do not want to, and you can stop the interview at any time. You can also change your mind and withdraw your consent later before the data has been analysed. At this point it will have been combined with the other responses, so it will not be possible to identify and remove your answers.

Do you have any questions? Are you happy to proceed with the interview?

If yes, can you confirm if you would be happy for me to audio record our discussion today? This will be used by the research team to ensure we have written up our discussion accurately. The audio file will be destroyed later in the project and will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team.

In accordance with GDPR legislation, the interview documentation, recording and notes will be securely deleted 2 months after project completion and HMRC sign-off of all reporting outputs and milestones (January 2023).

Background and personal context (5 minutes)

Please can you tell me about yourself:

• where you do you live?
• does anyone else you live with you (such as friends or family)?
• where do you work? How long you have been in this job? How far away it is from your home?
• what are your hobbies or interests?
• what is an interesting or important thing or piece of information you’ve heard in the past few days?

Cycling behaviour and attitudes (10 to 15 minutes)

Could you tell me about your experiences of cycling?

• probe: how long have you been able to cycle? Do you enjoy cycling? Any positive or negatives? *could you tell me about what kind of bike you use or have access to? If they own their bike: where did you get it from? Why did you choose this bike?

When, if ever, do you cycle or use your bike?

• probe on: types of activities, weekdays, weekends, holidays, never
• if yes: how often do you cycle? What kind of roads/distances? For example, rural, town or city cycling?

Why do you cycle?

• probe: Do you cycle for enjoyment? If not, why not?
• has how much you cycle changed in the past year or few years?
• how do you think it might change in the next few years?

Do any of your friends or family cycle or cycle to work?

• what impact does this have on you and what you think about cycling?
• and how much you cycle?

Commuting behaviour (10 to 15 minutes)

How do you get to work?

• why do you use this mode of transport?
• have you used other modes of transport in the past?
• how do others in your household commute to work?
• can you see yourself changing how you commute to work?
• what would have to change for you to change how you commute to work?
• how likely is this?

Do you ever cycle to work?

• if yes, how often do you cycle to work?
• why do you cycle to work?
• what kind of roads do you take to get there? For example, countryside, suburban, city roads?
• how long have you been cycling to work?
• is this new or have you been cycling to work for some time? If so, how long?
• if no, why don’t you cycle to work?
• have you ever cycled to work? Why or why not?
• can you see yourself cycling to work in the future?

Motivations and barriers to cycling (10 minutes)

Thinking about cycling to work, what benefits do you see to cycling to work? Are there any drawbacks? Probe as necessary.

And now thinking about cycling for leisure, what benefits do you see to cycling for leisure? Are there any drawbacks? Probe on any differences between benefits and barriers of cycling for work and leisure.

What are the things that make cycling to work more difficult for you, or make you less likely to cycle to work? Probe: traffic on the roads, feeling unsafe on the roads, lack of cycle lanes, theft of bicycle or equipment, logistical reasons, lack of enjoyment, would rather do something else on commute such as read, not confident cycling.

What impact do these have on how often you cycle to work?

• do these things have an impact on how often you cycle for leisure?
• have you sought to overcome these?
• how do you think they could be addressed?

For those not cycling at all, what would need to happen for you to be in a position where you start cycling?

• what, if anything, would encourage you to cycle [more]?
• what, if anything, would encourage you to cycle to work [more often]?
• probe: feeling safer on the roads, less theft of equipment, better cycling paths and lanes, more places to safely store your bicycle while at work, better changing and showering facilities while at work

Can you think of anything your employer could offer you to encourage you to cycle to work or cycle to work more? Probe: for example, better changing or showering facilities at work, more places to safely store bicycle while at work, flexible start and finish times, if your employer offered you a free lunch once a week if you cycled in that day, would it encourage you?

Awareness and understanding of the Cycle to Work Scheme (5 to 10 minutes)

What do you know about the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme?

• can you describe how the scheme works?
• where did you hear this from?
• have you ever considered using the scheme or looked into it? If yes, what were your thoughts about the scheme?
• do you know anyone who has used the scheme? What do they say about it?
• what are the benefits of the scheme? Any drawbacks?
• why haven’t you used the scheme?

Appropriateness of the scheme (15 to 20 minutes)

The most common way in which employers offer the scheme is for employees to choose a bike, which the employer provides to the employee. The employee pays the hire fees out of their pre-tax salary, meaning they do not pay tax on the value of the bicycle and equipment.

After the initial hire period and making payments towards it, the employee is given the option of paying the remaining market value of the bike to own it, continuing to lease it (for no additional charge) or returning the bike to their employer.

What would you say is the most appealing aspect of the Cycle to Work Scheme?

• why would you use it? For example, to save money on the cost of a new bike or cycling equipment, to spread the cost of paying for a bike or cycling equipment rather than pay all upfront
• why do you think that is the most appealing aspect of the scheme?
• what are the drawbacks, downsides or least appealing elements?
• what, if anything, would encourage you to use the Cycle to Work scheme?

I would now like to ask you about some hypothetical scenarios to help understand the value of the Cycle to Work Scheme. The cycling schemes which follow do not exist.

The government gives you an upfront payment of £200 to be used towards the purchase of a bicycle and equipment to commute to work. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?
• would you be more or less likely to use this scheme than the current scheme? Refer back to barriers – would this help to address barriers to cycling or to using the scheme? If so, how?

The government gives you a voucher to use in bike shops or online, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?
• would you be more or less likely to use this scheme than the current scheme? Refer back to barriers – would this help to address barriers to cycling or to using the scheme? If so, how?

The government gives you an interest-free loan to cover the total cost of a new bike, which you pay back over 18 to 24 months. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?
• would you be more or less likely to use this scheme than the current scheme? Refer back to barriers – would this help to address barriers to cycling or to using the scheme? If so, how?

The government gives you an upfront payment to cover the total cost of the bike. Part of this payment is an interest-free loan which is paid back monthly over 18 to 24 months (length of repayment period depends on your preference). The other part of this payment is a grant, equal to the amount of money you would save using the current Cycle to Work Scheme. This saves you money on a bicycle you purchase yourself and spreads the remaining cost of the bicycle over 18 to 24 months. Would you use a scheme like this?

• why or why not?
• how does it compare to the current Cycle to Work Scheme?
• would you be more or less likely to use this scheme than the current scheme? Refer back to barriers – would this help to address barriers to cycling or to using the scheme? If so, how?

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Is there anything else that we haven’t discussed relating to your experience of the Cycle to Work Scheme that you would like to comment on and that you think would be relevant to our evaluation?

What advice would you give the government to encourage people to cycle to work more?

That’s all the questions I have – do you have any questions for me?

Thank you for taking part.

Also, just a reminder that the privacy notice explains the purpose for processing personal data as well as rights under data protection regulations to access personal data, withdraw consent, object to processing of personal data and other required information.

12.3 Topic guide for employers who offered the Cycle to Work Scheme

Introduction (5 minutes)

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this interview. (Interviewer to introduce themselves).

We are interested in speaking with you because your organisation offers employees the Cycle to Work scheme. We are interested in your experiences of offering and running the scheme.

Ipsos is an independent research organisation (independent of government), we adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct.

There are no right or wrong answers, we are just interested in hearing about your organisation’s views and experiences.

We will combine the information you share today with information from people who use the scheme, people who do not use the scheme, other employers who offer the scheme, and employers who do not offer the scheme. We will turn it into a report which will be sent to HMRC. As part of the report, we might use quotes from our discussion today, but if we do, we will not use your name or other information about you. Other than the research team at Ipsos, no-one will be able to identify you in the report or know what you have said.

The interview is expected to last approximately 45 minutes and it is up to you if you want to take part. If you do decide to take part, you do not need to answer any questions you do not want to, and you can stop the interview at any time. You can also change your mind and withdraw your consent later before the data has been analysed. At this point it will have been combined with the other responses, so it will not be possible to identify and remove your answers.

Do you have any questions? Are you happy to proceed with the interview?

If yes, can you confirm if you would be happy for me to audio record our discussion today? This will be used by the research team to ensure we have written up our discussion accurately. The audio file will be destroyed later in the project and will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team.

In accordance with GDPR legislation, the interview documentation, recording and notes will be securely deleted 2 months after project completion and HMRC sign-off of all reporting outputs and milestones (January 2023).

Background: where you heard of scheme and understanding of scheme (5 to 10 minutes)

Please could you introduce yourself and tell me about the organisation you work at and your role there? Probe on: number of employees, location, organisation purpose (what they do), any business or organisational values – what are they?

As an employer, you offer your employees the Cycle to Work Scheme. Where did you first hear about this scheme? Probe: other employers, government website, search engines, email or direct marketing.

How did people in your organisation respond to the idea of the scheme when it was first discussed or raised?

How long has your organisation been offering the scheme to employees? Probe: if don’t know, ask to estimate.

Approximately how many people in your company use the scheme?

• probe: how many requests do you receive to use the scheme?
• has the number using the scheme increased, decreased or remained stable since it was first introduced into your company? Probe: Why do you think that is? Probe on: impact of Covid, hybrid working, cost of living.

Enablers and barriers to offering the scheme (15 minutes)

Why did your company decide to offer the Cycle to Work scheme? Probe: health benefits, makes travelling to work easier/faster, environmental benefits.

• what are the benefits to the company of offering the scheme?
• what is the most important reason why you offer the scheme? Probe: financial, tax (NICs) benefits for the organisation and for the employee

What role does the Cycle to Work scheme play in your overall benefits and compensation package?

• how does it fit with any wider environmental commitments?
• how does it fit with any wider health and wellbeing commitments?
• what impact do you think it has on employees’ perceptions of you as an employer?
• what role does it play in recruitment and retention?

How do you communicate the Cycle to Work scheme to employees?

• how well do you feel the Cycle to Work Scheme is promoted within your organisation?
• how popular is it with employees? Have people proactively requested it?

What, if anything, does your organisation do to encourage employees to use the scheme? Are there any specific strategies in place to encourage people to start cycling to work or are strategies targeted at everyone (new and existing cyclists)?

How easy or difficult do you think it is for employees to use the scheme? How could this be made easier?

What do you know about why employees do or do not use the scheme? Do you know why employees who are new to cycling have decided to use the scheme?

Have you heard of employees who have used the scheme experiencing any problems in the past?

What else, if anything, does your organisation do to encourage employees to cycle to work? Probe: flexible working times to avoid peak hours, access to lockers, shower on site, safe and accessible cycle parking.

What do you feel could be done to improve cycling rates in your organisation? And take-up rate of the Cycle to Work scheme?

Ease of administering the scheme and improvements (15 minutes)

What is the process for administering the scheme? How does this work in your organisation? Please talk me through the process if someone wants to use the scheme.

• how many people are involved? Who does what? Does it need to be approved or signed off by anyone?
• is the scheme managed internally or by a scheme provider? Why do you take this approach?
• if use scheme provider: which scheme provider do you use? Why did you choose that one?
• how did you decide on which scheme provider to use? What were your considerations when choosing a scheme provider?
• please can you describe the process by which the scheme is run and specifically how you and the scheme administrator work together?
• do you pay the scheme administrator?
• what impact does using a scheme administrator have on your organisation? And on the individuals who use the scheme? Probe on: any limits to where they can buy a bike, bikes and equipment they can access
• what input do you as an organisation have on the bikes or equipment that employees get through the scheme? How do you do this?
• is the scheme available all year round or just at certain times of the year? Which employees is the scheme available to?
• how long does it take to process a claim to use the scheme? And for the employee to get the voucher to acquire a bike?

How easy or difficult would you say it is to administer the scheme?

• what is easier?
• more difficult?
• were there any challenges to your organisation implementing the scheme?

How easy or difficult is it administer the end of the scheme where employees can enter a new agreement, buy the bike or give the bike back?

• which option do employees generally choose? Why?
• what is the main thing that stops employees entering a new agreement or buying the bike at the end of the scheme?
• how do you value the bicycle (and bicycle equipment) at the end of the scheme?
• how easy or difficult is it to get the bike valued at the end of the scheme? How could this be made easier?
• does your organisation keep a record of (average) value of bicycle and equipment claimed through the scheme? Why or why not?
• do you record or keep track of how the bicycle and equipment is used (for example, to cycle to work)?
• do you know whether you have any employees who use the scheme but do not cycle to work?

Is there anything that would make administering the scheme easier, from an employer’s point of view?

How well do you feel the Cycle to Work Scheme is promoted by the government?

If the scheme changed, and it was no longer run through a salary sacrifice scheme, what impact do you think this would have on how you communicate the scheme to your employees?

• would you still offer to administer the scheme?
• what impact would this have on your company’s attitudes to encouraging cycling more widely?

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Is there anything else that we haven’t discussed relating to your experience of the Cycle to Work Scheme that you would like to comment on and that you think would be relevant to our evaluation?

What advice would you give the government to encourage more employers to offer the Cycle to Work Scheme to their employees?

What advice would you give the government to generally encourage the public to use the Cycle to Work Scheme more?

Those are all the questions I have – do you have any questions for me?

Thank you for taking part.

Also, just a reminder that the privacy notice which you can find [insert website location] explains the purpose for processing personal data as well as rights under data protection regulations to access personal data, withdraw consent, object to processing of personal data and other required information.

12.4 Topic guide for employers who did not offer the Cycle to Work Scheme

Introduction (5 minutes)

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this interview. (Interviewer to introduce themselves).

We are interested in speaking with you because your organisation does not offer employees the Cycle to Work scheme. We are interested in your perceptions of the scheme and why your organisation has opted not to offer it.

Ipsos is an independent research organisation (independent of government), we adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct.

There are no right or wrong answers, we are just interested in hearing about your organisation’s views and experiences.

We will combine the information you share today with information from people who use the scheme, people who do not use the scheme, other employers who offer the scheme, and employers who do not offer the scheme. We will turn it into a report which will be sent to HMRC. As part of the report, we might use quotes from our discussion today, but if we do, we will not use your name or other information about you. Other than the research team at Ipsos, no-one will be able to identify you in the report or know what you have said.

The interview is expected to last approximately 45 minutes and it is up to you if you want to take part. If you do decide to take part, you do not need to answer any questions you do not want to, and you can stop the interview at any time. You can also change your mind and withdraw your consent later before the data has been analysed. At this point it will have been combined with the other responses, so it will not be possible to identify and remove your answers.

Do you have any questions? Are you happy to proceed with the interview?

If yes, can you confirm if you would be happy for me to audio record our discussion today? This will be used by the research team to ensure we have written up our discussion accurately. The audio file will be destroyed later in the project and will not be shared with anyone outside of the research team.

In accordance with GDPR legislation, the interview documentation, recording and notes will be securely deleted 2 months after project completion and HMRC sign-off of all reporting outputs and milestones (January 2023).

Background and context (15 to 20 minutes)

Please could you introduce yourself and tell me about the organisation you work at and your role there. Probe on: number of employees, location, organisation purpose (what they do), any business or organisational values – what are they?

What benefits, if any, do you offer your employees? Probe on financial benefits and others, such as private health care, car, car allowance, flexible working, bonus, discount shopping vouchers, Taste Card.

• why do you offer these?
• how is the decision about what benefits to offer employees made?
• who is involved?
• what is the process?
• is this led by Company Directors, HR, or do you receive individual requests from employees?
• what approvals are needed?
• what are the considerations about whether or not to offer a benefit? Probe: financial, tax (NICs) implications for your organisation and employees themselves.

What, if anything, does your organisation do to encourage employees to take more environmentally friendly forms of transport to work, besides cycling? For example, public transport, car sharing?

• why or why not?
• what, if anything, does your organisation do to encourage cycling as an environmentally friendly form of transport?
• how much of a priority is being environmentally friendly for your organisation?
• what might make this more of a priority for you?

What, if anything, does your organisation do to improve the health and wellbeing of employees? For example, gym membership, private health care.

• how much of a priority is the health and wellbeing of employees for your organisation?
• what might make this more of a priority for you?

What do you know about how many people cycle in your organisation?

How interested would you be in improving cycling rates in your organisation?

Enablers and barriers to offering the scheme (15 to 20 minutes)

What do you know about the Cycle to Work scheme? Ask participant to describe the scheme – how it works, what the requirements are for employers, what employees have to do, how it benefits individuals.

Where did you first hear about this scheme? Probe: Other employers, government website, search engines, email/direct marketing.

• what were your first thoughts when you heard about it?
• why doesn’t your organisation offer the scheme? Explore fully. Probe: have you considered offering the scheme? If so, what was the decision-making process?
• have any employees proactively requested the scheme?
• can you think of any advantages / benefits of offering the scheme? Probe on benefits to users, such as health benefits, makes travelling to work easier/faster, environmental benefits
• and any potential benefits to the organisation? Probe: What impact do you think offering the scheme would have on how employees view their employment or you as their employer? How might it impact recruitment and retention?

What would have to change for your company to offer the scheme?

• any internal changes within the organisation
• changes to the scheme or how it is offered?

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Is there anything else that we haven’t discussed relating to your experience of the Cycle to Work Scheme that you would like to comment on and that you think would be relevant to our evaluation?

What advice would you give the government to encourage more employers to offer the Cycle to Work Scheme to their employees?

What advice would you give the government to generally encourage the public to use the Cycle to Work Scheme more?

Those are all the questions I have – do you have any questions for me?

Thank you for taking part.

Also, just a reminder that the privacy notice which you can find [insert website location] explains the purpose for processing personal data as well as rights under data protection regulations to access personal data, withdraw consent, object to processing of personal data and other required information.

13. Ipsos’ standards and accreditations

Ipsos’ standards and accreditations provide our clients with the peace of mind that they can always depend on us to deliver reliable, sustainable findings. Our focus on quality and continuous improvement means we have embedded a “right first time” approach throughout our organisation.

ISO 20252

This is the international market research specific standard that supersedes BS 7911/MRQSA and incorporates IQCS (Interviewer Quality Control Scheme). It covers the five stages of a Market Research project. Ipsos was the first company in the world to gain this accreditation.

Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partnership

By being an MRS Company Partner, Ipsos endorses and supports the core MRS brand values of professionalism, research excellence and business effectiveness, and commits to comply with the MRS Code of Conduct throughout the organisation. We were the first company to sign up to the requirements and self-regulation of the MRS Code. More than 350 companies have followed our lead.

ISO 9001

This is the international general company standard with a focus on continual improvement through quality management systems. In 1994, we became one of the early adopters of the ISO 9001 business standard.

ISO 27001

This is the international standard for information security, designed to ensure the selection of adequate and proportionate security controls. Ipsos was the first research company in the UK to be awarded this in August 2008.

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018

Ipsos is required to comply with the UK GDPR and the UK DPA. It covers the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy.

HMG Cyber Essentials

This is a government-backed scheme and a key deliverable of the UK’s National Cyber Security Programme. Ipsos was assessment-validated for Cyber Essentials certification in 2016. Cyber Essentials defines a set of controls which, when properly implemented, provide organisations with basic protection from the most prevalent forms of threat coming from the internet.

Fair Data

Ipsos is signed up as a “Fair Data” company, agreeing to adhere to 10 core principles. The principles support and complement other standards such as ISOs, and the requirements of Data Protection legislation.

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1. Since a portion of the salary is foregone, the employee pays less Income Tax and NICs, and the employer saves on their employer NICs. ↩

2. Walking and cycling statistics from Department for Transport show that those in England and Wales who cycle at least 3 times a week, for travel purposes, share a similar profile distribution to the Cycle to Work scheme users across demographics such as gender, age and ethnicity. ↩

3. The median value has been used here as opposed to a mean value for earnings, as this would likely be distorted by low or high outlying earnings. ↩

4. Please note that tax brackets used for analysis in this report were accurate at the time of the survey. Respondents reported their income at the time of the survey, not necessarily at the time they used the Cycle to Work Scheme. People may have changed jobs or working arrangements since using the Cycle to Work Scheme, which explains why 4% of scheme users reported earning below the Personal Allowance (which would not comply with the scheme rules). ↩

5. The scheme rules mean that an employer cannot build in from the outset an automatic transfer of ownership to the employee at the end of a loan or hire period. However, where an employer chooses to give the bike to the employee at the end of the contract, additional tax and National Insurance Contributions will be due. If the hire agreement is not extended, or the bike and equipment not returned, then additional tax and NICs liability will be due on the market value of the asset at the date of transfer. ↩

6. As the primary threshold for NICs and the personal allowance for income tax have been aligned, the scenario in the following quote no longer applies. ↩