1 million sick days prevented with Cycle-to-Work Scheme

According to a recent study by benefit provider, Edenred, 1 million sick days a year could be avoided if employers took steps to reduce the “bike commuting gap” (a term used to refer to the low number of cyclists regularly using two wheels to travel to work.)

Introducing cycle to work schemes could significantly reduce the number of sick days taken and provide a £13.7 billion annual boost to British business, according to further statistics released by charity Sustrans.

They estimate absenteeism costs UK employers £258 per day, with the average worker taking 4.5 sick days each year compared 2.4 days taken by people who cycle to work.

Andy Philpott, Sales and Marketing Director at Edenred, explained that businesses should introduce cycle-to-work schemes to promote the transport method.

“Employers benefit from the improved business performance, which goes hand-in-hand with a healthier, more resilient workforce who take less time off sick each year,” he said. “Employees also benefit – they stand to save money, substantially reduce the risk of heart disease or obesity and improve their quality of life.”

Sustrans has called on the government to recognise the economic value and health benefits of cycling to work by setting a minimum standard of facilities and support that workplaces should provide for those commuting by bike.

These include the following:

- Adequate showers and bike parking
- Access to bike purchase schemes
- Support finding a safe route to work, such as maps and bike buddies
- A ‘cycle-to-work standard’ would give businesses access to advice on how to make their workplace cyclist friendly helping to release the economic  benefits of a healthy, active workforce.

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