More than half of Cycle to Work participants feel their productivity has improved

The Cycle to Work scheme is benefitting both employees and employers according to a survey into its participants, with 86 per cent of those taking part believing that riding to work has led to health benefits.

In 2014, over 180,000 people had signed up to the scheme - a rise of 11.6 per cent from the previous year.

A new survey, conducted by the Cycle to Work Alliance, has shown that the health and wellbeing of employees across the UK has been improved by riding to work as part of the scheme.

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Nearly 90 per cent of participants believed cycling had improved their general fitness, while 52 per cent had seen weight loss.

It's not just the employees who benefit, though, with companies seeing improved productivity among their staff, with 60 per cent of cyclists saying they got more done in the workplace thanks to their mode of commute.

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Steve Edgell, Chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance and Managing Director of Cycle Solutions said: “Both employers and employees recognise the contribution that the Cycle to Work scheme makes to employee health. With companies increasingly aware of the importance of developing a workplace that promotes employee wellbeing and health, it is clear that from a business perspective, the scheme is making a big contribution in these areas.

“This research also shows that by making physical activity an integral part of people’s lifestyles, the scheme is an effective mechanism for encouraging non and novice cyclists to cycle regularly, and achieving a step-change in behaviour.

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“As well as supporting the objectives of businesses, it is clear that the cycle to work scheme is a key mechanism for delivering on the Government’s public health objectives and its specific aim to double the number of journeys made bicycle. The Alliance is obviously delighted in the part it can play in driving these positive behaviours.”

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While some riders use the Cycle to Work scheme as a way to get a new bike, over 60 per cent of participants in the scheme were either non-cyclists, novices or occasional cyclists before joining.