A national cycling charity has called on employers to do more to encourage active travel to help workers with the increasing transport costs.
According to new research published by Cycling UK to mark Bike Week (6-12 June 2022) 43% of 18-24-year-olds are considering changing their method of travel due to expected increases in transport costs.
Chief executive Sarah Mitchell said: ‘People should be considering cycling as a cost-effective way to commute shorter journeys. The upfront investment, even with e-cycles, soon pays for itself when you consider how much you are saving at the petrol pump.
‘However, there are still lingering perceived barriers to cycling, and employers can play a key role in making it a realistic and practical option for their staff. It’s a win-win solution; companies can attract the best young talent while enjoying better staff retention and productivity.
‘At the same time, it eases the financial burden on workers, who no longer need to pay to go to the gym yet will feel happier and healthier.’
Four in five (81%) of respondents across all age groups said they were expecting their transport costs to increase over the next six months, with 18-24-year-olds are the most likely to be considering alternatives (43%), including active travel.
Cycling UK said employers can take measures to mitigate the financial stress, noting that when respondents who said they do not currently cycle to work were asked about specific changes that would encourage them to do so, 37% of young people (18-24) were more likely to do so if their workplace offered improved facilities, such as bike storage and lockers.
More than a third of the same group (36%) also said they’d be more likely to cycle to work if their employer offered financial help to buy a bike, and 29% if their workplace offered a cycle to work scheme.
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