Rose Mabiza

04-03-2024

Cycle to Work Day 2025

Image by YuriArcursPeopleimages via Envato Elements

Pedal power in the workplace: Why Cycle to Work Day matters for regulated organisations

Every year, thousands across the UK dust off their helmets, pump up their tyres, and take part in Cycle to Work Day - a national celebration of the humble bicycle and its power to improve our health, environment, and even workplace culture. But beyond the personal benefits, this awareness day presents a compelling opportunity for highly regulated organisations - such as those in health and social care, education, finance, and local government - to champion wellbeing, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote more innovative compliance strategies.

In this article, Rose Mabiza, we’ll explore the origins and purpose of Cycle to Work Day, why it matters now more than ever, and how organisations can use it as a springboard to embed healthier, greener habits across their workforce.

What is Cycle to Work Day?

Cycle to Work Day is the UK’s largest celebration of everyday cycling. Launched in 2013 and supported by organisations like Cyclescheme and Cycling UK, the initiative encourages commuters to swap their usual mode of transport for a bicycle, even just for one day.

But this day is about more than just riding to work. It's a nationwide nudge towards more sustainable lifestyles, improved public health, and workplaces that care about the well-being of their staff. Whether you’re a regular cyclist or a complete beginner, the message is simple: give cycling a go and be part of a movement that’s powering real change.

Why should regulated organisations take part?

At first glance, Cycle to Work Day might seem like a grassroots fitness initiative. But for regulated organisations, the underlying themes - wellbeing, sustainability, engagement, and accountability - are directly aligned with many regulatory frameworks and operational goals.

1. Wellbeing - From individual health to organisational resilience

In sectors like healthcare, education, and social care, staff wellbeing is not only essential for performance - it’s a compliance priority. Regular cycling has been shown to:

• Reduce stress and burnout.
• Improve cardiovascular health and physical stamina.
• Boost mental clarity and mood.
• Decrease absenteeism due to lifestyle-related illnesses.

Participation in Cycle to Work Day can reinforce your organisation’s commitment to mental and physical wellbeing - a key inspection focus for regulators like CQC and Ofsted.

2. Sustainability - Meeting ESG and net zero goals

Many regulatory bodies and local authorities are placing growing emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Active travel schemes - like those encouraged on Cycle to Work Day - support:

• Reduced carbon emissions from daily commutes.
• Decreased parking and fuel-related costs.
• Greener, more responsible operational models.

Cycle to Work Day allows organisations to demonstrate measurable action towards sustainability - a key element of forward-thinking, risk-aware leadership.

3. Inclusion & team engagement

Cycle to Work Day is also about people, participation, and culture. When teams are invited to take part in something fun and meaningful - whether that’s a group ride, a photo challenge, or a wellness campaign - engagement rises.

It also gives organisations the chance to reflect:

• Are we enabling safe and equal access to our workplace for cyclists?
• Do our benefits and wellness policies support lower-income or part-time staff?
• How do we include remote workers or non-cyclists in our wellbeing initiatives?

In regulated environments where culture is a key marker of leadership and quality, inclusive engagement makes a visible difference.

A quick recap - What is the cycle to work scheme?

Many UK employers already offer the cycle to work scheme - a government-backed initiative that enables employees to buy bikes and cycling accessories tax-free via salary sacrifice.

But Cycle to Work Day is the perfect opportunity to:

• Promote the scheme internally to new staff.
• Gather feedback on participation barriers.
• Link scheme take-up to your wellbeing, ESG, and staff engagement KPIs.
• Show inspectors and stakeholders that your organisation doesn’t just offer benefits - it activates them.

This simple shift from passive policy to active promotion can be powerful.

Practical ways to get involved

So, how can your organisation make the most of Cycle to Work Day? Whether you’re a public sector body, a care provider, or a regulated education setting, here are some high-impact ideas:

Leadership involvement

When senior leaders join the ride or publicly back the initiative, it sends a strong message. Visibility from the top encourages broader participation.

Share stories and photos

Encourage staff to share cycling selfies, bike commutes, or reflections on what cycling means to them. These stories humanise your brand and foster connection.

Offer on-site support

Provide access to bike repair stations, safety checks, or maintenance workshops. Partner with local cycling charities or shops to provide expertise.

Run quick-access training

Use your LMS (or a platform like ComplyPlus™) to deliver bite-sized learning on road safety, green commuting, or active travel incentives. These can double as CPD content or form part of your health and safety training.

Refresh the internal policy

Revisit your travel, wellbeing, or hybrid working policies. Ask:

• Do we offer secure bike storage?
• Are showers and lockers accessible?
• Do our policies promote sustainable travel in rural or urban areas?

Cycle to Work Day is the perfect moment to update and encourage these internally.

Building momentum beyond the day

Participating in Cycle to Work Day is a start - but it’s what you do next that truly matters.

Use the visibility and energy of the day to build momentum for lasting change. For example:

• Collect feedback - Use pulse surveys or informal check-ins to learn what worked, what didn’t, and what staff want to see next.
• Set long-term goals - Could your team commit to one day a week of active travel? Could you measure carbon savings or participation rates quarterly?
• Link to strategic outcomes - Use your engagement in Cycle to Work Day as evidence in inspections, grant applications, or annual reports to demonstrate your commitment to ESG and staff wellbeing.

Awareness in action - Keep the wheel turning

At The Mandatory Training Group, we believe awareness should always lead to action. Cycle to Work Day isn’t just about bikes - it’s about building a culture of wellbeing, sustainability, and accountability in every corner of your organisation.

Through our integrated platforms - especially ComplyPlus™, our compliance, learning, and training management system - we support organisations in:

• Embedding awareness campaigns into CPD and compliance training.
• Linking initiatives like Cycle to Work Day to ESG, inspection, and workforce KPIs.
• Creating a single source of truth for policies, wellbeing strategies, and mandatory updates.

Whether it’s staff wellbeing, carbon reduction, or cross-site participation, ComplyPlus™ gives regulated organisations the tools to capture impact, meet regulatory expectations, and sustain long-term improvement.

Let’s keep the wheel turning - towards healthier teams, stronger systems, and a more sustainable future.

Last updated on 07-08-2025