Cycling to work saves over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year claim cycle to work scheme providers

The saving to the environment of cycling to work has been calculated by the Cycle to Work Alliance, who say that cyclists taking part in the scheme save over 100,000 tonnes of emissions between them each year by choosing to ride rather than drive.

And two thirds of those who do ride to work have saved on a car journey they would otherwise be making, the Alliance's Green Way To Work report found.

The 18,500 people rsponded to the survey and based on their answers the Cycle to Work Alliance calcluates that all those who use the scheme cycle more than 13 million miles a week.

The research also found:

    54% of respondents did not cycle to work before signing up to the scheme.
    72% would not have bought their bike if it had not been available through the scheme.
    98% of respondents would encourage their colleagues to participate in the scheme.

Norman Baker, minister for cycling, said: “I am delighted to see that the [bikes-for-work scheme] continues to grow, and it is encouraging that findings in this report show more and more commuters are looking towards cycling as their main mode of transport to work.

“By boosting the number of people who travel to work by bike, the scheme is making a tangible contribution to addressing the government’s commitment to reduce the country’s carbon emissions and create sustainable growth.”

Steve Edgell, chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance and director of Cycle Solutions, added: “This research is important in demonstrating the benefit of the scheme in achieving the government’s sustainable transport objectives.

“It highlights how the scheme encourages commuters to give up expensive and environmentally unfriendly cars, and instead look to cycling as a sustainable alternative."